Earl J. Anker

Earl J. Anker; age 89, passed away with family by his side on December 9, 2025. Earl is survived by his wife Jan Bunker, daughter Kayte (Rick) Ossler, son John (Sandra) Anker, stepson Gary (Michele) Bunker, sister Jane Anker, brother Roy (Ellen) Anker. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle, with seven grandsons, two granddaughters and one great grandson.

Born August 8, 1936, in Blue Island, he was the eldest son of the late John and Alice (Hiemstra) Anker. Earl grew up in South Holland and later raised his own family in Glenwood before moving to Tinley Park.

Earl graduated from Thornton Township High School and from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) on a scholarship from the Pullman Foundation, while working for Acme Steel. A professional mechanical engineer, he held numerous bindery-related patents. He retired from R.R. Donnelley & Sons before continuing as an independent consultant traveling worldwide. He had a tireless work ethic and was known for his ability to fix almost anything.

He made time to volunteer with the boy scouts, construct props for school plays, and build beautiful wooden furniture, while enjoying outdoor activities such as biking, walking, boating, water and downhill snow skiing. He also loved folk and classical music. As a student at IIT, he would walk to Orchestra Hall to attend concerts.

Earl was very civic-minded and a conservationist at heart. He served with the Glenwood Board of Fire & Police Commission for many years. After moving to Tinley Park, he volunteered as a longtime election judge and would canvass the neighborhood to ensure that residents were aware of local issues.  Earl felt strongly about supporting philanthropic organizations such as Nature Conservancy, Ocean Conservancy, and Union of Concerned Scientists.

As a longtime Elder and Trustee at First Presbyterian Church of Homewood, he spent countless hours assisting with children's Sunday school, attending adult bible study, and leading the church building & grounds committee. He also traveled with other Illinois Presbyterians to New Orleans to assist with cleanup activities following hurricane Katrina.

Earl will be remembered for his faith, his hard-working hands, his gentle heart, and his unwavering devotion to his friends and family.

Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 17929 Gottschalk Ave., Homewood, IL on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 1pm followed by a celebration of Earl's life at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

First Presbyterian Church of Homewood

17929 Gottschalk Ave.

Homewood, IL 60430