Phillip Paul Vanacker

Phillip VanAcker, 70, of Shepherd, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 14, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family, and in the loving arms of his wife, Gail. Phil was born August 30, 1950, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, son of the late Ralph William and Ruth Irene (Haney) VanAcker and was the youngest of four children. He grew up on the family farm just east of Winn and had many wonderful memories as a child. During his time at Shepherd High School (1969 graduate), Phil met and fell in love with Gail Kindig. The two were inseparable and on July 17, 1971, made their relationship official and were married at Westlawn Church of Christ in Shepherd. And so began their lives together, raising their two daughters, Minde and Amber. Phil worked hard to provide for his family. His first job was at Ferro Manufacturing in Mt. Pleasant where he was employed from 1969-1981. He then took a job with Contech in Alma as a forklift operator, retiring in 2008 after 27 years. In his healthier years, Phil and Gail were frequent bowlers, traveled, and camped with the family. In later years he simply found pleasure in staying home, watching Westerns, and listening to Beatles music. Phil often visited his brother Steve for morning coffee and the two made countless memories while fishing and hunting. Visiting his daughter Minde to discuss politics over coffee or challenging his daughter Amber to a game of checkers were staples of Phil in recent years. Being outdoors, especially on the family property, was a joy to Phil. It was even more special when he could ride the quad with his daughters and his adoring grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren immeasurably and was so proud of them. More than anything, Phil loved his wife, Gail. While Phil's deteriorating health ultimately kept them from celebrating 50 years of marriage, they were able to share over 50 years of love and happiness together. Phil was a simple guy. He provided for his family and loved them until his last breath. He leaves behind his loving wife, Gail; daughter, Minde and her husband, Charlie Lux of Mt. Pleasant and their children, Carlie, Zoe, Abbie, and Caiden; daughter, Amber VanAcker of Winn and her sons, Phoenix and Caleb; siblings and spouses, Connie (and the late Russ) Lapham of Perrinton and their children, Kevin and Kari; Loretta and David White of Ruskin, FL and their sons, David and Sean; and Stephen and Deb VanAcker of Winn and their children, Tonia, Stacy, and J.R.; in-laws, Gary and Deb Kindig of Tennessee and their children, Heather and Nick; Gloria and Mike Coffron of Freeland and their daughter, Michelle; and Tammy and Steve Cardona of North Carolina and their sons, Sam and Nate. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruth VanAcker. Phil's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 27, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with Father Jim Bessert officiating and will be streamed live on the funeral home's Facebook page. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, February 26, from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Phil will be laid to rest in Salt River Cemetery in Shepherd. Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.