Marlys M. Akkerman, 89, of Brownsdale, Minnesota, was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018.

Marlys Maxine (nee Dunker) Akkerman was born Dec. 17, 1928, to Carl and Olga Dunker in rural Claremont, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Claremont. On May 22, 1949, she married Donald Henry Akkerman and they were blessed with six children. They moved to Brownsdale, where they raised their family.

Marlys and Don founded D.H. Akkerman Construction Company, started in 1952, and Akkerman Inc., started in 1973. After retirement in 1990, they built a home on the Rainy River near Baudette, Minnesota. During the years of their marriage, she worked as the bookkeeper for both of the businesses. In addition, she was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed gardening, reading, jigsaw puzzles and fishing. In her later years, she especially enjoyed her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous bus trips with friends.

Marlys is survived by her children, Ruth (James) Fandrey, Lincoln, Nebraska, Maynard (Robin) Akkerman, Brownsdale, and Barbara (Wade) Kester, St. Clair, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Akkerman, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; grandchildren, Sara Lorenz, Rachel (Jeffrey) Meyer, Anne (Travis) Kerkman, Katie Akkerman, Autumn (Travis) Riley, Emily Akkerman, Derek Akkerman, Justin (Heidi) Akkerman, Andrew (Abby) Akkerman, Bridget (Matthew) Anderson and Adam (Amanda) Kester; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Janice) Dunker; brother-in-law, Dale (Ila) Akkerman; and many friends.

Preceding Marlys in death were her parents, Carl and Olga Dunker; brothers, Lowell and Russell Dunker; husband, Donald; infant son, Martin; sons, Wayne and Kenneth; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waltham, Minnesota, with the Rev. Paul Lauer officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and for one hour before the service on Thursday at the church. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale.

Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.