Ackerman, william George 1934-2014

ACKERMAN, MEISTER, STORTS, THOMPSON, DELOOFF

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 12/22/2014 at 08:58:47

Mr. William G. Ackerman, 80, of Lancaster, Ohio, died early Monday morning, November 10, 2014, at Pickering Hospice House in Lancaster.

William George Ackerman was born August 8, 1934, in Coldwater, Ohio, to the Rev. Edwin George and Edith Rosalind (Meister) Ackerman. He was a 1952 graduate of Arlington High School. Following graduation, Bill went out West to work with Mission Builders in California from 1952-53. Upon his return to Ohio, he attended Capital University in Bexley. In 1956, Bill moved to Hessel, located in the Les Cheneaux Islands of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he operated Ackerman Lumber Company with his brother, Ray, until 1969. Bill and Ray, along with Dr. Leonard J. DeLooff, were instrumental in starting LesCheaneaux Ambulance, the first ambulance service in the Hessel/Cedarville area. Bill was a volunteer with the Clark Township Ambulance Service and the Clark Township Fire Department for many years. Following his employment with the lumber company, Bill owned and operated the Hilltop Restaurant for several years. He was then employed by the Tri-County Buyer’s Guide for 12 years, 10 years in Hessel and the last two in Sault Ste. Marie. In 1982, Bill purchased the Hessel Home Bakery which he operated with his wife, Margie. Bill was known throughout the area for his delicious baked goods, breads and Pasties. Bill and Margie retired in 1998 to Lancaster. During his retirement, Bill worked for Meals on Wheels in Lancaster for eight years.

Bill was a member of the St. Paul North Berne Lutheran Church in Lancaster where he sang in the choir. He was a former member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Cedarville, Michigan, and served on the school board for Les Cheneaux Community Schools for over twelve years.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie K. “Margie” (Storts) Ackerman, whom he married March 29, 1986; daughter, Debra Sue “Debbie” (Bruce) Thompson of Hessel, MI; son, William Marshall “Billy” Ackerman of Pickford, MI; grandchildren, Jason Thompson of Hessel, Brandy Thompson of Washington, Michael (Courtney) Thompson of Traverse City and Jagger William Ackerman of Pickford; several great-grandchildren; four step-children as well as thirteen step-grandchildren and fifteen step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis E. “Tiz” DeLooff and Carol R. Ackerman, both of Pickerington, OH; sister-in-law, Sarah O. Ackerman of Green Bay, WI; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond B. Ackerman; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Leonard J. DeLooff.

Friends may call from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13, at St. Paul New Berne Lutheran Church, 1965 Lutheran Church Road SE, Lancaster as well as an hour prior to the service at the church. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 14, in the Church with the Rev. Dr. Merlyn Seitz officiating. Burial will follow at Lithopolis Cemetery, Lithopolis, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul New Berne Lutheran Church, 1965 Lutheran Church Road SE, Lancaster, Ohio 43130, Bethel Lutheran Church, 217 North M-129, Cedarville, MI 49719 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Greta Ackerman Blegvad of Hoskinson Funeral Home, Kirkersville, Ohio, and Raymond B. Ackerman, Jr. of Schultz Funeral Home, De Witt, Iowa, are honored to care for their Uncle Bill and family.