Hal Akershoek
By ZEINAB NAJM
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — Hal Akershoek, 63, of Trenton died June 18 following a short illness, according to his obituary on the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes’ website.
He was known in the Trenton community as the owner of Old’s Flower Shop, 2033 West Road, since purchasing it in 1984.
“Despite limited experience, his creativity and outgoing personality proved to be a perfect match for the floral profession,” the obituary read. “Over the course of 37 years the flower shop ‘blossomed.’”
Akershoek was an accomplished calligrapher, pianist and avid fan of Motown music.
He attended Trenton High School where he graduated from in 1976 before receiving his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Wayne State University in 1981.
“Hal touched the lives of countless people and businesses in the Downriver area by providing flower arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays, special events, and funerals,” the obituary read. “Anyone who ever phoned the store will instantly remember Hal’s cheerful voice, ‘Olds’ Flower Shop!’”
Akershoek was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Trenton where his funeral services are set to be held at 10:30 a.m. July 8.
During the June 21 City Council meeting, Councilwoman Timber Baun-Crooks made the announcement of Akershoek’s death.
She went on to say that he was a great guy and was born with muscular dystrophy but still ran his own business until the end.
“I know this whole town is going to miss him,” she said. “He did a lot for this whole Downriver area. He was always there to lend a hand even not in the best of health his whole life. We’ll miss Hal. To his friends and family I just want to send condolences from the city of Trenton.”
Baun-Crooks also said she heard Old’s Flower Shop is going to close for now. Calls to the flower shop went unanswered.
Akershoek leaves his mother, Mildred Akershoek; sister, Carla Akershoek (Pete VanDeRiet); and niece, Lauren VanDeRiet, all of Des Moines, Iowa. Also, in Michigan, aunts, an uncle and several cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Harold Akershoek.
In honor of Hal Akershoek’s memory, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])