Dr. Gerald “Gary” Lee Ackerson

January 7, 1935 – January 11, 2026

Dr. Gerald “Gary” L. Ackerson, a distinguished Illinois educator, lifelong coach, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona, on January 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old. Gary’s life was defined by a journey from humble beginnings to a career marked by leadership, integrity, and the deep respect of his community.

Early Life and Education

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 7, 1935, Gary was raised in Muscatine, Iowa. A proud graduate of the Muscatine High School Class of 1953, he dedicated himself to a lifelong pursuit of learning. Gary earned an Associate of Arts from Muscatine Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts from Iowa Wesleyan College. He continued his studies at Western Illinois University, earning both a Master of Science in Education and an Education Specialist degree, eventually culminating his academic journey with a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He was a man who truly valued the transformative power of education for himself and others.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Gary’s career spanned over 50 years, during which he influenced the lives of thousands of teachers, students, athletes and those who knew him. He began his professional journey in Muscatine, teaching junior high and coaching both high school and community swim teams. After serving as a program director for the YMCA, he joined the Rock Island School District (RISD) in 1961, where he served with distinction for over three decades.

His roles at RISD were vast and impactful, ranging from Physical Education instructor to administrative leadership at Central Junior High, Rock Island High School, and W.L. Eddy, Jefferson, Lincoln elementary schools. He also served as the Head of Curriculum for Language and Fine Arts. An elite swim coach, Gary led high school and age-group teams from 1955 to 1990, with 57 All American swimming honors, and earning the title of Illinois Swim Coach of the Year in 1969.

His storied career was marked by numerous accolades, including the RISD "Those Who Excel" Award in 1984, he served as the President of Phi Delta Kappa for many years, and his induction into the Muscatine High School Athletic Hall of Fame (1999). Following his retirement from RISD in 1990, Gary served as a consultant for John Deere and Co. and held various administrative roles for local school districts, eventually concluding his teaching and coaching career at Augustana College in 2004.

Faith, Music, and Community

Beyond his professional achievements, Gary was a man of deep faith and remarkable artistic talent. His beautiful singing voice was a gift he shared generously as a featured soloist in church, community choirs, and summer musical theater. Among his family’s most cherished memories are the songs he performed at the weddings of his children and grandchildren. He was a long-time member and served in leadership roles at Memorial Heights United Methodist Church and Gold Canyon United Methodist Church. He possessed a rare ability to see the potential in others and was never afraid to voice his encouragement and belief in them.

Family and Heritage

To Gary, family was his greatest gift. He married N. Katherine (Kay) Schubick in 1955, and together they raised four children. After 65 years of marriage, Kay preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Nackola J. Sellers; his sisters, Nancy and Betty; his brother, Richard; his wife, Patricia; and his granddaughter, Alison Cavanaugh Kessler.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ida Mae Hillger Ackerson, and his four children: Vicki (Phil) Corcoran, Vince (Susan) Ackerson, Valerie (Mark) Cavanaugh, and Annette (Randy) Waldorf. He found his greatest joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving a lasting legacy in Ryan, Colleen, Jennifer, Kate, Hilary, John, Brad, Eden, James, Samantha, Lillianna, Sloan, Wells, Harrison, Landon, Savannah, William, Harper, Norah, Abraham, Vera, Jack, and Violet.

Contributions and Remembrances

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rock Island/Milan Education Foundation to honor Dr. Ackerson’s memory at the new RIHS Aquatic Center. For more information, please email monta.ponsetto@rimsd41.org or call 309-581-2154.

If "life was a box of chocolates" to Forrest Gump, then "I love you like biscuits and gravy" remains the endearing sentiment of the Ackerson family.