Kenneth K. Ackerman, 105
INDEPENDENCE – Kenneth K. Ackerman, 105 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence. He was born on July 23, 1908, in Galt, Iowa, the son of Peter and Minnie (Kahler) Ackerman. He graduated from high school in Dows, Iowa, and then earned his teaching certificate at the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. He finished a master’s degree in School Administration at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. On August 5, 1936, he and the former Ida Marian Hiner were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She preceded him in death in 2007.
Mr. Ackerman was a teacher, coach, and superintendent for 40 years. He worked in Aurora, Clemons, Early, and Klemme, Iowa. He retired from public education in 1969. His second career was as a bookkeeper for Jensen Transport in Independence. He retired again after another 20 years. During the WW II years, he worked in the uranium processing program at the Iowa State University in Ames, and an ammunition plant in Ankeny. For Mr. Ackerman, his classroom teaching was most important. He was also proud of coaching the Clemons baseball team to the state finals in 1949.
He and his wife settled on an acreage near Rowley, where they gardened extensively and also had an apple orchard. They moved to Independence in 1983. Mr. Ackerman enjoyed owning and driving Ford automobiles. His first was a Model A roadster. He and his family took road trips to sight see and also practice his hobby of photography.
Mr. Ackerman is survived by 2 daughters, Kay (Patrick Wills) Ackerman of Houston, Texas, and Jean (James) Cizek of St. Louis, Missouri, 3 grandchildren, CMDR U.S. Navy Christopher (Renae) Cizek of Alexandria, Virginia, LTCOL U.S. Army Michael Cizek of St. Louis, and Susan Cizek of Hanoi, Vietnam, and 2 great granddaughters, Danica and Nadia.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother, Francis Ackerman.
Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013, at the Rowley Cemetery in Rowley, with Pastor Sheri Andersen officiating. White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements. A Memorial Fund has been established. On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.