Wilbert Ackerman

Hastings resident Wilbert "Willie" H. Ackerman, 87, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings.

Services are 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation is Saturday 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Sunday 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., and Monday 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with family present from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Willie H. Ackerman Memorial Fund or donor's choice.

Willie was born October 2, 1928, at Lushton, Nebraska to Christina (Klein) and Theodore Ackerman. He attended Hastings High School. On July 20, 1948, Willie married Denelda "Nell" Callan. He worked at Hastings Naval Depot, had a Debus Bakery bread route while living in Aurora, Nebraska. After moving back to Hastings, he had the Archway Cookie distributorship for many years. Willie also worked at the Hastings Regional Center. He owned and operated Ackerman Septic Service until his retirement when his son, Lonnie, took over. Willie was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, a golden member of the Eagles Aerie 592 of Hastings, Masonic Mid-West Lodge 317, Valley of Hastings Scottish Rite, and a lifetime member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge 28. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, July 4th fireworks, playing cards, dancing, and spending time with his family. Willie never met a stranger. He was always there -ready to help those who needed it.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; Nell, his wife of 63 years; four brothers, Melvin, Raymond, Theodore, and Darvin; one sister, Margaret; one son-in-law, Galen Berney.

Survivors include two sons and spouse and one daughter, Larry (Donna) Ackerman of Juniata, LaVonna "Vonnie" Berney of Hastings, Lonnie Ackerman of Juniata; grandchildren and spouse, Kimberly (Michael) Reed of Hastings; Melinda Ackerman (fiancé Mike McClaren) of Omaha; Jesse Ackerman of Juniata; great-granddaughters, Bethany Reed (fiancé Kevin Gerdes) and McKenna Reed, all of Hastings; one brother and sister-in-law, Reiny and Elaine Ackerman of Hastings; three sisters-in-law, Flo Ackerman of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Connie Callan of Stafford, VA, and Jan Callan of Hastings; many nieces, nephews, friends, and his very good friend, Jerry Arnold of Hastings.