Jennifer M. Akers, age 65 of Andover, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

Jennifer graduated from Superior (WI) Senior High School in 1971 and went on to earn a Master's degree in teaching from UWS.  Her first teaching job was at St. Peter's in St. Paul and she taught at Bancroft Elementary from 1986 to 2015.  She had many other jobs over the years and lived in several different apartments throughout the Twin Cities.  Jen married Robert "Bob" Akers on April 9, 1988; they recently celebrated 30 years of marriage.  Jennifer and Bob welcomed sons, Zachary Barnett (May 1990) and Spencer Jamison (November 1991.)  Jen enjoyed shopping and art fairs, and she dearly loved watching her boys play sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard and Elizabeth Smith, and George and Lil Selvik; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She is survived by her husband, Bob; sons, Zachary and Spencer; parents, Richard and Audrey Smith; brother, Lyndon (Vickie) Smith; sisters, Petra (Ben) Anderson and Shawna (Chris) Fiore; sisters-in-law, Marcia (Steven) Sjulstad and Jayne Aukland; many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Allina Home Health and Hospice, Mercy Hospital, Minnesota Oncology, and friends Lois, Cathy, and Julie for care and help during Jennifer's courageous battle.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street NW, Andover.  Visitation one hour prior to the service (1:00 - 2:00 p.m.)  Private Interment.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373