MIDDLETON - Richard H. “Dick” Acker passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 7, 2025, at the age of 89.

Dick was born on May 30, 1936, in Ashton, Wis. While at Club 18 in Mount Horeb he met the love of his life, Marlene Sutter. They were married on October 25, 1956.

Dick worked for 42 years in the telephone industry retiring from Mid Plains Telephone Company (TDS). He started as a lineman and spent many years in management. He was a member of the Catholic Knights of St. Bernard and past President of Kiwanis Club of Middleton.

Dick was a very devoted family man, husband, father “Pa", "Papa”, father-in-law, proud grandpa and great-grandpa. He enjoyed his trips “up north” Wisconsin to see the beautiful sunsets, sunrises, listening to the loons and the spectacular fall colors.

He enjoyed all sports, watching and participating. Dick played many years in Ashton Home Talent baseball, bowled in city and couple leagues achieving a perfect 300 game in bowling. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, his backyard of birds and beautiful flower/veggie gardens (along with battling the critters in his garden). Dick enjoyed playing cards, he and Marlene were in a couple’s league with special friends for more than 55 years.

Alongside his loving wife, Marlene, he is survived by his five children, Rita (Bob) Beam, Randy (Kim) Acker, Mike (Kari) Acker, Julie Acker and Janet (Kevin) Marszalek; 11 grandchildren, Leigh (Frank) Dierking, Ryan (Lena) Acker, Lauren (Heath) Meier, Amy (Brian) Cleven, Sarah (Jason) Barber, Jenna (Carlos) Ramirez, Ben (Caroline) Acker, Devin Eisner, Bob (Megan) Marszalek, Matt (Rachel) Marszalek and Dan (Sara) Marszalek; 13 great- grandchildren, Natasha and Mackenzie Cleven, Abby Barber, Leo, Luke and Emma Meier, Leo, Charlie and Emilia Ramirez, Elisa and Camille Acker, and Luke and Lily Marszalek; and siblings, Syl Acker and Mary Hinz.

He was preceded in death by parents, George and Helen Acker; brothers, George Jr. and Donald Acker; sister, Liz Acker; sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Acker and Jean Acker; brother-in-law, Mike Hinz; son-in-law, Jeff Schram; grandson, Matthew Beam; niece, Tammy Sibson; and nephew, Kyle Acker.

As a man of much faith, he lived the golden rule. Dick, you are the love of my life. Love, Marlene.

Pa, someday we will meet up in heaven. Until then, we will catch that big fish for you, tend your garden and cheer on the Packers. You will always be with us in our hearts. With grateful love, your children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. A luncheon at the church will follow the Mass. After the luncheon, a burial will be held at St. Ignatius Calvary Cemetery, 9418 County Highway S, Mount Horeb.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any preferred charity. Special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare for their amazing care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Richard Herman Acker

May 30, 1936 - July 07, 2025

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