Obituary

Elaine J. Akerlund, 86, of Rockford, passed away peacefully at 11:15 a.m. on October 30, 2024, at home with her daughters by her side. Born June 2, 1938, in Rockford, the daughter of Richard and Gertrude M. (Carlson) Buskie. Elaine was a graduate of West High School in Rockford, class of 1956. She worked for the Rockford Board of Education, as secretary, from 1967 to 1988, when she retired. Elaine married David N. Akerlund on July 31, 1988 in Rockford. She was a member of the Salvation Army Temple, Rockford. Elaine was involved in Women’s Ministry and the String Band. She loved music, singing and playing her guitar. Often, her and her sister Marlene would get together and sing. Elaine and David owned a cabin in Tomahawk, WI for many years, where great memories were made and will never be forgotten by their children and grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by her daughters, Jill McBain, Jan Gwaltney, Julie (Cal) Callaway, and Jeane Lane; step-daughter, Jodie (Ray) Wedige; sisters, Marlene Flohr and Patricia (David) Fagen; brothers, Ron, Robert and Randall Sunday; loving grandchildren, Joe & Jordan McBain, Lyndzie Kaeding, Corey Olsen, Kaitlyn (Dean) Rocha, Sean McCammond, Stephanie (Doug) Jacobsen, Ryan (Amala) Swenson, John Swenson, and Chris (Kymbre) Callaway; many great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, David; parents, Richard and Gertrude; grandson, James Ian McBain; and sons-in-law, Steven Lane and Don Gwaltney. The family would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice for their wonderful and loving care of their mother.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northern Illinois Hospice. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.