David Scott Akerson

David Scott Akerson, age 73, of Tower, passed away after a difficult battle with COPD on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his home.  

David was born on December 31, 1949 in Willmar, MN to Russell and Glenda (Johnson) Akerson.  David left high school at the age of 17 to join the United States Army.  He served active duty in the Army from 1967-1969.  He then remained in the Army Reserves and retired after 29 years of service as an E-8 First Sergeant.

David married the love of his life, Ginger Lynn Garman, on March 21, 1970.  They were blessed with two children, Jason and Jarin.  David worked as a Deputy Sheriff for St. Louis County for nearly twenty years.  David was shot August 3, 1996 while on duty and as a result received a Top Cop award in Washington, DC.  His entire family also attended and watched him receive his honor from President Clinton.  After retiring in 1998, David and Ginger went on to start their own paper serving business.  He was also a member of the Arrowhead Peace Officers Association and the MPPOA. 

David and Ginger enjoyed 42 years of marriage, living 19 of those years in Ely, and then retiring to Lake Vermilion in Tower in 1997.  David cared for Ginger for many years as she battled first lung and then brain cancer.  She lost her battle in 2012.

David enjoyed pheasant and duck hunting.  He enjoyed watching his five grandchildren participate in sporting events. He loved to travel, most recently visiting Hawaii, Florida and Arizona.  He also enjoyed drinking coffee and discussing current events.  If you were in the mood to talk politics, he was your guy—-and if you weren’t in the mood, he was going to tell you anyway.  David lived a full life, serving others with endless wit and humor.   

David was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law Margaret Leaf; wife, Ginger; brothers,  Ronald and Jeff ; nephew John Schlegel, and other extended family members.  

He is survived by his children: Jason (Mandy) Akerson of Britt, MN and Jarin (Nathan) Houdek of Eveleth, MN; grandchildren Kaden, Beau and Ethan Akerson; Livia and Grayson Houdek; half-sister Tanya Akerson of Watkins, MN; sister-in-law Kristin (Brian) Schlegel of Blomkest, MN; father-in-law Roland Leaf of Willmar, MN; nephews Shane (Lisa) Akerson, Kyle (Cassie) Akerson, Chad Akerson and niece Kaitlin (Jason) Budish.   

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the 2:00 PM Memorial Service July 21, 2023, at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia.  Mr. Bill Bauman will officiate.  

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia.  To express condolences on-line, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.