Edward Clute Ackman

Edward C. Ackman, age 92, of Litchfield died on Friday, September 26, 2014, at Ecumen Emmanuel Home in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, September 29th also at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Lake Ripley Cemetery. Edward Clute Ackman, the son of Paul and Grace (Clute) Ackman, was born on September 4, 1922 in Earlville, Iowa. He grew up in Iowa and received his education there. On November 2, 1941, he was united in marriage to Leona Bass in the Presbyterian parsonage in Fulda, MN. Together Ed and Leona farmed near Dundee, Chokio, Stewart, Lake Lillian and Grove City. Ed was an active participant in Farmers Union and enjoyed the many gatherings of this group. He was active in his church, serving as a trustee and deacon, first at the United Methodist Church of Lake Lillian and later at the First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield. He served on two town boards as treasurer, at East Lake Lillian Township in Kandiyohi County and at Harvey Township in Meeker County. He was a director on the Lake Lillian Creamery Board. Ed was a softball umpire at many games around the towns where he lived. Competing on bowling and horseshoe pitching teams earned him several trophies, even at state and national levels. Playing cards, especially pinochle, was a lifetime favorite activity for Ed. He also became a Gideon in his later years, promoting his Christian faith. Ed was a people magnet because he enjoyed visiting and getting to know people. His market gardening years were just as much about talking with customers and vendors as about selling produce. He wore many ""hats"": to some people he was the apple man, to others the popcorn man, yet others the colored corn or sweet corn man. He sold an endless variety of vegetables and fruits, nurtured by his green thumb. In later years, he grew gladiolas to honor Leona's favorite flower. He often spoke of ""his girl"" as the love of his life, having been married for 67 years. Ed & Leona were faithful to attend their grandchildren's athletic events and music performances. This showed their great dedication to their family and how proud and supportive they were. Ed's family enjoyed his story telling abilities. It was always fun to visit with Grandpa Ed. His outgoing personality will be sorely missed! He was a man of stories, but he also had the ability to listen and encourage those who came in contact with him. His family is thankful for the many years of life given to this unforgettable man! Ed is survived by his children; Dale (and Karen) Ackman of Litchfield, Karen (and Douglas) Adams of Cosmos, Keith (and Coral) Ackman of Lake Lillian and Donald (and Jayne) Ackman of Grove City; grandchildren Randy Ackman, Robert (and Peggy) Ackman, Christina (and Dave) Wittke, Miriam Ackman, Becky Arens, Shari (and Mathew) Frisbie, Wendy (and Jason) Zins, Susanne (and Jeremy) Wagner, Kristi (and Andy) Haglund, Tracy (and Brian Shaw) Ackman-Shaw, Tiffany (and Steve) Thompson, Carrie (and Jory) Hanson, Crystal (and Nick) Chojnowski, Sara (and Tyler) Schneider and Ryan Ackman; and 26 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Willis (and Roberta) Ackman of Sacramento, sister, Helen (and Robert) Horn of Cloquet and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Leona in 2009, a great grandson Timothy Ackman, brothers, Marvin, Paul Jr. and Franklin and sister, Eva Kevilus. Previous Events Visitation Monday, September 29, 2014 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church 225 N Holcombe Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Tuesday, September 30, 2014 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM First Presbyterian Church 225 N Holcombe Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Tuesday, September 30, 2014 11:45 AM Riplely Cemetery 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355