Obituary for Allan Karl Ackerman

Allan Karl Ackerman, born on July 24, 1939, in Sutton, Nebraska to Karl and Elenora Ackerman, passed away July 9, 2024, at Hansen House Nursing Home in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Allan (Butch) graduated from Phillips High School in 1957 and then enlisted in the US Army. He was a member of the 78th Engineer Battalion, serving in Germany from 1957 to 1959, a member of the National Guard from 1959 to 1963 in Grand Island, Nebraska, and a member of the Iowa Air National Guard in Des Moines, Iowa from 1970 to 1991. He received the Southwest Asia Medal for his service in the First Persian Gulf War and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1991.

He had a civilian career as a Public Health Servant with the Hall County Health Department in Grand Island, NE,  Des Moines, Iowa Health Department, Iowa State Health Department and the Nebraska State Health Department. After retiring in 2002,  he and Joann purchased a RV and toured all 50 states more than once. They shared the beauty of the mountains of Alaska, Canada, the Rockies, the Bighorns, Appalachians, Smoky Mountains, Cascades and volcanoes of Hawaii. They visited many Civil War battlefields, national monuments and beaches of Florida. They spent their winters at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida, with summer months visiting family and touring. Butch also enjoyed woodworking as a pastime, and making gifts for family.

On May 15, 1958, he married the love of his life, Joann Hank, with whom he shared his life with for 62 years.  They raised 3 wonderful children: Rick, Debra, and Gaylene. He is proceeded in death by his parents, a brother, Dean Ackerman, an infant granddaughter, Lindsey Ackerman, and his beloved wife, Joann, Mother-in-Law Helen McClurkin, Bother-in-law and Sister-in-law Duane and Polly Hank, Brother-in-law Gary McClurkin. Cherishing his memory are sisters: Sister-in-Law Darlene Ackerman of Hastings, NE,  Karen (Duane) Gruener of Phillips, NE, Janelle (Dennis) Stelk of Phillips, NE, Bother-in-law and Sister-in-law Bernie and Barb Slingsby of Grand Island, NE and Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law Jim and Janie  McClurkin of Omaha, NE  his children: Rick (Sheila) Ackerman of Tarija, Bolivia, Debra Wheeler-Ackerman of Cheyenne, WY, and Gaylene Ackerman Gibson of Carter Lake, IA. Nine grandchildren: Brandon (Jennifer) Ackerman of Shelton, WA, Nathan (Casey) Ackerman of Jacksonville, FL, Sharon Ackerman of Union Grove, WI, Joel (Sylvan) La Chance of Annandale, VA , Nicole Sainsbury of Coralville, IA,  Felicia (Curtis) Nelson of Shambaugh, IA , Karla Baker of Council Bluffs, IA, Dave (Stephanie) Wheeler of Cheyenne, WY, and Dawn (Jason) Wheeler-McCoy  of Casper WY. Seventeen great-grandchildren. Two great-great-grandchildren.

Allan's celebration of life will be held Monday, July 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.  at the Phillips Cemetery, officiated  by his son, Pastor Rick Ackerman. Inurnment for Allan and Joann will follow at the Phillips Cemetery.  Lunch will follow at the Phillips Community Center.  Allan has always loved and trusted in the Lord and was blessed by His loving hand. ”I'll Fly Away" was his favorite hymn.