Leona Ackman

Leona D. Ackman, age 88, of Litchfield, formerly Grove City died Friday morning, October 23, 2009 at the Emmanuel Home in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday October 26, 2009, at the Presbyterian Church in Litchfield with Pastor Gordon Pennertz officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00– 7:00 PM on Sunday October 25th at the Church and will continue one hour prior to the services at the Church. Memorials are preferred to the Litchfield First Presbyterian Church Handicap Fund. Leona Dorothy Ackman, the daughter of Harrison and Dorothy (Berger) Bass was born on September 4, 1921, in Jackson County, Minnesota. She received her education in Jackson County, MN, graduating from Sioux Valley High School in 1939. On November 2, 1941, she was united in marriage to Edward Ackman in the Presbyterian parsonage in Fulda, MN. Together Leona and Ed lived in Dundee, Chokio, Stewart, Lake Lillian and Grove City where they farmed. During the time that they farmed and raised a family, Leona became skilled at carpentry and made many toys, a corn crib, and built an addition to the family home. Faith was an important part of Leona’s life and her many talents were used at her church. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield where she served on various boards, and used her carpentry skills throughout the church. She was a church Elder and was given an honorary life membership of the Litchfield Presbyterian Women, where she also served as treasurer. Leona was a member of the Farmers Union for many years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, playing cards, book keeping, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She will also be remembered for her self-taught musical talent; her love of carpentry and flowers; and the many pies and Special K Bars that she made. Leona is survived by her husband Edward of Grove City; children; Dale (and Karen) Ackman of Litchfield, Karen (and Doug) Adams of Cosmos, Keith (and Coral) Ackman of Lake Lillian and Donald (and Jayne) Ackman of Grove City; 14 grandchildren Randy 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 Kevin) Houk, Sara Ackman and Ryan Ackman; and 19 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers; John Bass of Westbrook, MN, Ralph (and Diane) Bass of Yacolt, Washington, Lee (and Marlys) Bass of Hope, MN, sisters; JoAnn Bartlett of Yankton, SD and Mary (and Gary) Drever of Redwood Falls, MN; and a sister-in-law Evelyn Bass of Volga, SD. She is also survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a great grandson, brother Lewis, brother-in-law Dale and a sister-in-law Valeta.