Acker, Joseph Paul Jr.

Joseph Paul Acker Jr., 29, of Cedar Rapids, chose to end his life on Friday, May 18, 2012. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home by Pastor John McKinstry. A reception for family and friends will be held immediately following services.

Survivors include his parents, Rhonda and Jim Meiners of Cedar Rapids, and Joe Acker Sr. of Cedar Rapids; his sister, Maggie Johnson and her husband, Russ, and their children, Quinn and Kellen, of Fairfax; his brother, Jeff Acker of Cedar Rapids; his maternal grandmothers, Geri Miller of Seattle, Wash., and Agnes Meiners of Jefferson; his dog, Ruby; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Richard Miller; and paternal grandparents, Robert and Geraldine Acker.

Joe was born Aug. 1, 1982, in Davenport, Iowa. He grew up in Marion and graduated from Linn-Mar High School in 2000. Joe graduated from Drake University in 2004 with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication. Most recently, Joe worked at Go Daddy in Hiawatha as a media buyer/planner. He enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, and especially loved making people happy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe's memory may be directed to Cedar Valley Humane Society at 7411 Mount Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; or to First Christian Church, 900 Lincolnshire Place, Coralville, IA 52241.

Please sign the online guest book for Joe at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette May 22, 2012.