In Loving Memory of Rev. Arthur Anacker

It is with deep sorrow and enduring faith in the resurrection, that we announce the passing of Rev. Arthur Anacker age 95. He was called to his heavenly home on July 2nd, 2025, at his home near Portage WI.  Arthur was born in the same home to Ernest and Emma (Schwantz) Anacker on March 19th, 1930. He married Shirley Brickwell on May 15, 1954 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage WI.

Arthur was raised on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, stewardship, and humility—lessons that would later shape his ministry. For many years, he worked the land with care and conviction, seeing in every sunrise and harvest a reflection of God's provision.  When Arthur was 26 he heard a new calling—this time, not from the fields, but from the Lord. Trusting in God's guidance, he left the farm behind to attend Concordia Seminary in Springfield IL.  He graduated in 1962 and was ordained at his first church, St Paul's , Alta IA, where he served for 4 years.  He was then called to St. Paul's and St. John's in Ireton IA where he faithfully served for almost 10 years.  The Lord called him back to his home state of Wisconsin where he served St. Thomas in Waldo and Trinity in Town Wilson near Sheboygan WI.  He retired from those churches in 1995 after 20 years of service but continued his ministry helping at St John's in Portage and as a fill in pastor for surrounding churches for almost 25 years.  Throughout his ministry he provided a wonderful example of what a country pastor should be.  He cared for those around him with great compassion, patience and love.  He served tirelessly in his churches and throughout his community as a hospital chaplain, a founding board member for Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School, and for many area charities. A devoted husband, father and grandfather he was an inspiration to his whole family.

Survivors include his children Gary (Deb) Anacker, Amy (Al) Hartman, Jim (Beth) Anacker, Julie Reseburg, Marie (Jay) Kroll, Laura (Kurt) Weber, Joel (Kim) Anacker, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley, parents Ernest and Emma Anacker, his sister Lorraine Ellils, his brother Ronald Anacker, his son-in-law Jeff Reseburg, and granddaughter Gretchen Reseburg.

A visitation will be held on Sunday July 6th between 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Kratz Funeral Home Portage.  Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage at 11:00 a.m. on Monday July 7th and visitation between 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Arthur's memory.

Burial will follow the service at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Portage, WI