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Robert Ackerman Obituary

Ackerman, Dr Robert (Buzz)
Dr Robert (Buzz) Ackerman began life February 13, 1934 in Jackson, MN; the second son of Robert and Elaine Ackerman. From the beginning Buzz was precocious and adventurous. He met his future wife, Pat Petersen, in grade school; but she found him to be a bit of a "wild man" at that time. Buzz worked hard in high school, graduating valedictorian and developing his passion for hotrods and collecting. After concluding his business degree, Buzz convinced Pat to say "yes", and she joined in the adventure! A short stint in the corporate world convinced Buzz to go back to school to become a medical doctor at the University of Minnesota where he, Pat and their three children lived in a tiny quonset hut in married housing. Upon graduation the Ackerman family moved to Phoenix, AZ, which was home to Buzz until his passing. Buzz was drafted into the Army for two years and served as an anesthesiologist in Vietnam. He worked hard and played hard, instilling these life habits in his children. He really enjoyed caring for people, and had a thriving medical practice in Maryvale for 26 years. Buzz had a tremendous laugh and a quick wit. He loved quality time with friends and family, and had an endless curiosity and a deep appreciation of nature's beauty. Buzz's adventures took him and his family far and wide. He knew he was blessed to have found the "rock" of the family - Pat. He truly lived by the motto, " The scenery is always the same if you are not the lead dog". Buzz was always there to show us the way, and his passing leaves a large void in the hearts of his wife, Pat, his children, Vicki Ackerman Beard, Bob and Beverly(Bowers) Ackerman, and Tom and Jean(Moon) Ackerman, his 7 grandchildren, and all his wonderful relatives, friends and neighbors. Services will be January 10, 2015 at 9:00am, St. Jerome's Catholic Church, 10815 N. 35th Ave. Phoenix, Arizona 85029. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to The Hospice of the Valley.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ackerman

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Teri Petersen Sorem

December 25, 2020

I remember him playing with us little nieces and nephews of Aunt Pat before they were married.

Jim Vachuska

January 22, 2017

Time and distance separate friends, but memories remain forever. We were classmates from first grade until graduation. He and his family were always first class wonderful people. I was shocked to learn of his passing and will miss seeing him.

January 11, 2015

Vern and I want to send our love and condolences to your family at this time. Tom and Jean and the family have been dear friends for a long time, and we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Kathryn, our daughter, went to medical school with Jean. Tom and Jean and their families are special friends to us.

Vern and I send our love to Pat and the family. You are in our thoughts.
Carol and Vern Sorgee

Sal Gomez

January 10, 2015

Doc was our family doctor for years. What a wonderful, caring man he was. His quick wit and smile always made our day no matter the reason we were in his office. I have, to this day, never found another Dr. like him. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

January 9, 2015

We send our love for your family! May the celebration of Buzz's life be wonderful and warm tomorrow! We know you will all be together again!! Kathryn and Steve Walker (Salt Lake City, Utah)

DeeDee Ackerman

January 8, 2015

I'm so sorry, Pat and family. I'm glad that I'll be there with you all this weekend. Buzz was very dear to me and to my father.

January 5, 2015

Dear Pat and family, I loved Buzz like a brother and will miss his fun and crazy ways. So enjoyed the laughs and the trips. Heaven is shaking with laughs today and Buzz shares his stories. Let us remember him with smiles. So sorry for your loss of this man who was larger than life. Blessings to you all, Helen Schmitt

Lorie Hantla (Whiton)

January 5, 2015

As long as I can remember, Buzz, Pat and kids have been a part of our family. Living as neighbors in the Quonset huts at the "Village" in university housing continue to be the topic of many conversations in our family.

I will always remember Buzz as a kind-hearted man who always took an interest in our family, cooked the best steaks in town, and had a very disciplined lifestyle.

May God's presence be near to you all during these hard days.

January 5, 2015

Helga and I are profoundly saddeneld by Buzz's passing. When he went a big part of our lives went too. We feel deeply the loss of a great, true and loyal friend. But the fond memories remain to be cherished, and what memories they are! Buzz had special qualities which indeared him to us, and our lives were enriched beyond measure for having known him.
With love,
John ("Jack") and Helga Whiton

Patrice Horstman

January 4, 2015

Aunt Pat, Vicki, Bob, Bev, Tom, Jean: thinking of you all. Uncle Buzz lived life to the fullest and he lives on large in my heart.

Janet Farmer

January 2, 2015

Dr Ackerman was my Doctor for 25 years until he retired and was our families Doctor even longer. I thought about him often since he retired and still have such great memories of him. To his family left behind I send my deepest sympathy. He was a great man and I feel privileged to have had him as my Doctor.

Kay Tuel

January 2, 2015

Dear Pat and Vicki~ We are praying that you and your family feel God' s Presence and peace
( which is there in spite of circumstances) during this time. Just by knowing Vicki, I can testify that "Buzz" left a powerful legacy through his children.
Blessings~

January 1, 2015

Iam so sorry to hear that Dr Ackerman has passed away I and my mother was just talking about him over the holidays It was 46 years ago that he saved my life. I was a very sick little girl and we had just moved to phoenix and had no doctor, my mom remembers calling numerous doctors offices and they wouldn't take us.I ended up with Rheumatic Fever which I can say that without your care I wouldn't be living a very healthy life. God bless you Dr Ackerman and god bless your family my deepest sympathies

Dianne Kingston Van Kirk

Teri Petersen Sorem

January 1, 2015

Dear Aunt Pat and cousins, so sorry to hear of Uncle Buzzs passing. I remember him as a kind and fun person. Sending prayers and love

January 1, 2015

Im sorry for your loss.May the God of all comfort be with your family.
Psalms chapter 83 verse 18.

December 31, 2014

Pat & Family,

I am SO very sorry for your loss...I smile when I think of how he always gave me such a hefty hug....He always had a smile on his face and made me feel so special....Heaven will never be the same with him there....With Love, Debbie M

R.A.

December 31, 2014

My condolences to your family, for your loss. May the love of God comfort your loved ones," Because God is love." (1John 4:7,8)

Annie Petersen-McMullen

December 31, 2014

Dear Pat and Family; I am so, so sorry for your loss. Uncle Buzz was such a lively and lovable character who will never be forgotten. To this day, I break into a smile whenever I think of him. I'll be thinking of you constantly and sending all my prayers, hugs and love during this difficult time.

December 31, 2014

So sorry for your loss. God will comfort you during your grief. Please know that
he is the hearer of prayer.

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