The Life of CAROL JEAN AKERS
Carol Akers, 68, died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 22, 2009, in Loveland, Colorado while on vacation. Funeral services will be held 12 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Street, Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Carol was born March 5, 1941 to Tim and Dorothy Van Maanen in Oskaloosa. She devoted her life to music, receiving a bachelor's of music from Coe College in Cedar Rapids and a master's degree in composition from Drake University. She was first involved in music education with her classroom music series, "Up, Up and Away," on KDPS public television followed by over 30 years teaching classroom music including 16 years at Greenwood Elementary School. For many years, she was the organist/choir director at First Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.
Carol is survived by her sisters, Nellie Jane (Carleton) Meinders of New Sharon, IA and Betty Ann (Charles) Hendrickson of Carrying Place, Ontario, Canada; stepsons, Steve Akers of Mission Hills, KS and Tom (Joelyn) Akers of Charleston, IL; five step-grandchildren; two nieces; three nephews; two grand-nephews and one grand-niece. She is predeceased by her parents; and her husband, Max Akers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in her memory.