Personal Biography

Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, during World War II.

Moved to Medford, Wisconsin after my dad came home from the war.

Moved to a small farm about 8 miles from Medford. I am the oldest of seven, 5 brothers and a sister. We worked hard milking cows and throwing hay bales. We learned about hard work and making something of our lives. Our dad passed away at an early age. I was already married when he was called Home. The baby of the family was four years old. After all these years, the family continues to meet twice a year at a place arranged by one of the family for a weekend of enjoyment with each other. We now have three generations who attend - the group usually numbering from 20 to 30 or more.

My graduations were High School, 1960; Taylor County Teacher's College, 1962; University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, 1977. I taught third grade in Dorchester, WI and grades 1,2,3 combination for the Dor-Abby system from 1962-1966, when my first child was born. That year I put a home-bound child through first grade from my home.

Moved to West Bend in 1967. Lived on a small farm there with 4 horses, a goat, ducks and a Billy goat. My second daughter was born there.

Moved to north central Wisconsin in 1975. From there, I finished my Bachelor's Degree, graduating in 1977. My husband's employment situation caused us to pack up and move again.

Moved to Waterford in 1977. Teaching opportunities were scarce so I obtained my real estate license in 1978. I became a single mom in 1980, which gave me an incredible motivation to make it or be broke! I made it.

Married Ivan Acker in 1986. Together we built a life and a business that was nothing short of a God-given gift. I ran the business. Before we had the fax machine, Ivan ran paperwork and lockboxes and was an incredible silent partner in my growing business.

The family grew to a combined group of more than 40 and still growing - when we count the children, step-children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren and spouses. Ivan, the love of my life, passed away from cancer in 2003.

In 2011, I live in a ranch home on a half-acre with my two large "puppies"; my office is in my home; and my family is nearby except for the family that moved to northern Wisconsin. I am building a new direction for my real estate career, writing for business and for pleasure, directing a gospel choir that entertains at senior facilities, churches, nursing homes, etc, playing in my gardens and enjoying this newest phase of my adult life.