Sibyl Acker was born on April 26, 1941, to Ervin Arthur Anderson and Beulah Advana (Nelson) Anderson in Capron, Illinois. At a very young age, her mother, an accomplished pianist and organist herself, recognized Sibyl’s affinity for rhythm. She started teaching her piano, thus igniting a lifelong passion for music. Sibyl grew up playing piano, then organ, and got her degree in music education from MacPhail College in Minneapolis, MN. She became a music teacher and continued playing in churches and throughout the surrounding community.
When she met her future husband Larry, she found a life partner who shared her passion for music. For nearly 50 years, they were both church organists/pianists at various churches, faithful season ticket holders at the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and were locally known for their piano-organ duets and four hands on the piano. They often substituted for other organists and even each other over the years. They raised three daughters who all played instruments, sang in the church choirs, turned music pages for them, and supported a variety of musical endeavors.
Sibyl also supported the community with her music skills. Like her mother, she could naturally play by ear (with no music in front of her) and transpose music into different keys, even mid-song. She spent many years supporting local school musicals, accompanying students at choir and instrument competitions, and playing background music for the American Association of University Women’s monthly meetings in the Quad Cities, where she was a member. She could be called upon to play at a moment’s notice and even played for a family wedding with less than a day’s notice when the planned organist fell through. She grabbed some music, took a few requests, and played for the ceremony.
After Larry passed away in 2017, she moved to Wesley Willows in Rockford, and was delighted to learn that her skills were both still in demand and appreciated. She played several chapel services per week, preparing for each service as she had throughout her life. On October 19, 2024, she played her final notes and joined Larry. She is survived by daughters Veronica Acker of Springfield, VA, Julie Acker of Rockford, IL, Holly (Ken) Mathiesen of Caledonia, IL; granddaughters Ellie and Kate Mathiesen.
The family would like to extend deepest gratitude to the entire staff of Wesley Willows for providing Sibyl such excellent care over the years, and also to MercyHealth Hospice for their unwavering support and compassionate care over the past year.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. Marks Lutheran Church, 201 N. Division Ave, Polo. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. also at the church. Burial will be immediately following services at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
Memorials may be directed to St. Marks Lutheran Church in Polo, Illinois, Wesley Willows in Rockford, Illinois, MercyHealth Hospice, or to support a performing arts organization of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to The Sibyl Acker Family, PO Box 152, Caledonia, Illinois 61011.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
