"My mother and 2 sisters met Sharon and Vern while on a tour of China in 2007. We had a wonderful tour....Vern and Sharon made the tour a lot of fun. Such a nice fun-loving lady Sharon was... She will be greatly missed. "
In loving memory of
Sharon Mardell Acker
July 2, 1946 - April 14, 2023
Our dear Sharon M. Acker, age 76, a longtime resident of Rochester, MN and newer resident of Zumbrota, MN sadly passed away from cancer early on the morning of April 14th, 2023 in Fredericksburg, Texas. She died peacefully with her husband by her side, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Sharon was so strong, had an amazing heart, loved deeply, and was loved deeply by many. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Sharon Mardell Abel was born on July 2, 1946 in Peoria, Illinois. She graduated from Morton High School and completed post-secondary schooling at Midstate College of Commerce in Peoria. She went on to work at Caterpillar, IBM, and TSP. Sharon met her husband Vern while working at IBM, and they joined in marriage in 1979. Sharon loved to travel, spend time at casinos with friends, enjoy quiet time with her pets, collect antiques, make jewelry, and keep in touch with friends and family. She loved their new homes in Zumbrota and Harper Texas.
Sharon was proceeded in death by her parents Frank and Virginia Abel, her aunt Betty, her uncle Bill Russell, and her beloved son Erik Maran.
Sharon is survived by her husband Vern, brother Rodney Abel, stepsons Randy (Tammy) Acker and Warren (Nancy) Acker, and stepdaughter Krista (John) Ostrand. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren: Brittany (Mike) Sorg and their son Braden, Chris (Autumn) Acker and their son Lincoln, Nicole (Alex) Thomforde, Stephanie (Lucas) Niebur and theirs sons John and Owen, Jessica (Paul) Wedel and their daughter Adalyn, Mitchel (fiancé Mattie) Acker, Emily Ostrand, and Natalie Ostrand. While she wasn't blood related, Sharon treated all of the kids and grandkids as her own, and that overflowing love and respect was reciprocated by all members of the extended Acker family. Sharon's passing leaves a huge hole in all of their hearts.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, April 24, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery, Rochester, MN.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Acker family; to share a special memory of condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"So sorry for your loss, Vern. "
"Vern, we are so deeply sorry for your great loss. Sharon was a wonderful and kind person. We have many good memories from over the years at car shows, the casino, talking about our cats, and dining at many restaurants. One of our highlight events together was attending the Neil Diamond Concert. She will be greatly missed. Roger and Sharon Barnes"
"Sharon was my very best friend. We met many years ago, thanks to our old-car-enthusiast husbands. We enjoyed trips together, going to the casino, collecting antiques, watching Kevin Costner movies, and just hanging out. We shared many laughs and also tears. Sharon loved life and was so grateful for the years she had. She was so strong and just an amazing person. If there is such a thing as soul mates, I believe we were it. I loved her and will miss her forever. Love and prayers to Vern and family."
"Sharon was such a loving person. We had many great times together including when she married Vern and they moved into their first home. Vern, our prayers are with you and your family. She will be missed."