Betty Marie Acker (Hokanson), 92, of Seminole, FL, died at home on Sunday, 2/12/2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased in death by her parents Hokan and Ruth Hokanson, sister Ellen Larson, son Steven Acker, and great grandson Chance Acker. Her survivors include husband Bill, daughters Lisa Acker and Lois Warren (David), grandchildren Marc Acker, William Warren and Sydney Warren, and great grandson Christian Acker.
Betty grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota and always identified herself as a country girl. She learned the customs of her Swedish heritage from her parents and grandmother and continued those traditions throughout her life. She grew up in the Lutheran Church and her faith remained foundational in her life. Betty discovered her talents for cooking and sewing and began to develop those skills. She loved music and learned to play the piano and the French horn. Betty graduated from St. James High School in 1948. She then moved to Minneapolis where she worked to put herself through the Lutheran Bible Institute and Augsburg College. She completed a bachelor's degree and some graduate work in Home Economics.
Betty met Bill in 1952, while he was a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. She worked as a clothing designer and taught for a year before marrying Bill on July 27, 1955. After spending two years in White Sands, New Mexico completing Bill's military service, they briefly returned to Minneapolis before being transferred to Florida in 1958. Florida became her home, and she loved the sunshine, the seashells and being near the water. She was devoted to making a home and raising her family. She thoroughly enjoyed being a grandmother, sneaking cookies to the kids whenever she could.
After her children were grown, she fulfilled a long-held wish and learned to weave. She was a member of the Pinellas Weavers Guild from 1991 through 2023. She made beautiful things which will be cherished by her family for generations. She and Bill have been members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church since 2003. She volunteered there with a small group, making prayer shawls for members in need of comfort. She will be remembered for her loving generosity and forgiving spirit.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Pinellas Weavers Guild, or Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17