Joan (Jane) Acker, baptized as Joanna Elizabeth Naparla, 89 years old, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, passed from this world on June 15, 2023, of natural causes. Joan was born to Lawrence and Josephine Naparla on July 2,1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She had two brothers, both Catholic priests, Reverend Henry Naparla and Reverend Nicholas Naparla, and three sisters, Mary Swift, Phyllis Karpinski, and Terry Naparla, all of whom predeceased her. Her husband, Darrell H. Acker, Sr., and grandson, Nickolas Acker also predeceased her.
Jane loved singing and dancing. In Milwaukee she belonged to the church choir and other singing groups, bowling league and golf league. She was a medical secretary for two doctors at the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company home office in Milwaukee. In 1956 she married Darrell H. Acker Sr., and was married to Darrell for over 64 years, whom she met at Rivermoor Country Club, Waterford, Wisconsin where he worked as assistant golf pro at the course owned by her sister and brother-in-law. Darrell and Jane later moved to Steven’s Point, Wisconsin where Darrell was head golf pro, greenkeeper, and manager of Steven’s Point Country Club.
In 1966 they bought the Marshfield Country Club and were in the golf business for over 50 years with the driving range and mini-golf. Jane worked as manager, bookkeeper, cook, waitress, bartender, cleaner, and other tasks. Jane was also a licensed real estate agent for over 10 years and was President of Altrusa Club in 1986. She volunteered in different areas at Our Lady of Peace and St. Vincent De Paul of Marshfield when possible. She golfed and watched as most of her five children worked in the golf industry.
Jane liked to travel in their RV, polka dance, and was an avid reader. Some of her favorite sayings and quotes were – “Haste makes waste. It ain’t over until it’s over. Always do your best and never give up. Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today. Trust in God and do not be afraid.” Her favorite from Sister Faustina, “My Jesus, I trust in You!”
Jane would like to thank the staff of Stoney River Assisted Living in Marshfield, Wisconsin who helped her so much while she was there. She would also like to thank the staff of St. Croix and The Landings of Kaukauna Assisted Livuing in Kaukauna, Wisconsin for their help.
Jane is survived by her children Darrell “Chip” Acker, Jr. and his wife Pam, of Wisconsin, Angela Daniel and her husband Arun, of Connecticut, Andrew Acker and his wife Vicki, of Georgia, Martin Acker and his wife Paula, of North Carolina, and Anna Macosko and her husband Ron, of Oklahoma, and her grandchildren Kiersten, Anna-Miciah, Benjamin, and great grandchild Noah and her nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Marshfield, where a visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later date. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Heart of gold, great fortitude, devoted, loving and faithful to God and her family. We will always love you.
Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com
