Frank Joseph Akers III

Frank Joseph Akers III, 85, of Gering passed away unexpectedly Sunday December 6, 2020 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, NE. Graveside services will be held at a later date. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.

Frank was born on June 13, 1935 in Peoria, IL to Francis (Frank) and Evelyn (Kohl) Akers. He was the second eldest of nine children. In 1954, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served 3 years. While stationed in California he met Dolores (De) Plank. They married in 1957 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Pasadena, CA. They were married for 28 years and were blessed with six children. They made their home in Peoria, IL until 1964 when they moved to California. In 1972 they moved to Scottsbluff so he could pursue a career in law enforcement. He served as a police officer on the Scottsbluff PD and as a Deputy on the Scottsbluff County Sherriff’s Department and also the Garden County Sherriff’s Department.

In 1992 Frank attended WNCC Nursing School where he met Ellen Ericson. They graduated in 1993. They had 27 wonderful years together, 16 of which were spent living and working in Peoria, IL before returning to Gering.

In his free time, Frank loved working crossword puzzles and spending time with his family and friends. Every year he looked forward to traveling back to Peoria for the annual Akers Family Reunion to spend time with family there which he thoroughly enjoyed. He had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a joke.

Survivors include fiance Ellen Ericson of Gering; children Frank (Traci) Akers IV of Gering, Wendy Nashelsky of Loveland, CO, Karen (David) Wiekhorst of Potter, Ronald (Lori) Akers of Lincoln, Sherri Akers of Gering, and Mary (Edward) Robinson of Gretna; 14 grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are four brothers, Bill (Carol) Akers of Peoria, IL, Ed (Lynn) Akers of Peoria, IL, Tom (Lynn) Akers of Peoria, IL, and Bob (Mary) Akers of Chillicothe, IL, along with three sisters, Carole Stephens of Peoria, IL, Peg Callahan of Peoria, IL, and Marti (Larry) Coates of Dallas, TX and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Frances Pierce, brothers-in-law Bill Pierce, Jack Stephens and Ron Callahan, grandchildren Britney Akers, Frank Joseph Akers V, and Tyler Akers and niece Brande Akers whom he cared for while in Peoria.

Thank you to the staff of CBOC, Quick Care and RWMC for excellent attention and care given.