Dr. Robert "Buzz" Ackerman

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.