Janet Ackerman-Demke

Janet "Janie" Faith Beine Ackerman-Demke passed away on Dec. 19, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with the Rev. Allen Finger officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

Family will be greeting guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7 p.m.

Janie was born Dec. 20, 1930, in Negaunee, Mich., to Elmer and Irene Beine. The family later moved to Ontonagon, Mich., and subsequently to Superior, Wis., where she attended junior and senior high school followed by Superior State College, where she obtained her certificate in education. She met Robert "Bob" W. Ackerman in 1950 while visiting her sister (Betty Banker) in Bismarck; they married June 21, 1952. The couple went on to have four children while residing in the country in Apple Creek Township and remained married for 39 years, until her husband passed away.

Janie volunteered her time and talents with numerous organizations serving her community and practicing her Christian Faith. She and Robert were founders of Burleigh County Horsemasters 4-H, active leaders in 4-H youth camps, Young Life, DeMolay, Rainbow Girls while actively involved with Eastern Star, White Shrine, the Elks, political campaigns, Blood Services, teaching Sunday school, swimming lessons at her home and much more. She also served on the Council for the Aging in Bismarck and volunteered as a fundraiser/liaison for Lutheran Brotherhood serving families in need. She was a true philanthropist with an unceasing energy and desire to help others. Her career activities included teaching in first through eighth grade at Gibbs Township and Menoken School for several years. Later, she became the office manager for Ack's Radiator Shop; she also worked various jobs throughout her life with her last employment working as the home delivered meals coordinator for the Bismarck Senior Center. Some of her favorite personal activities included painting, baking, working on puzzles, playing pinochle and spending time with family. She especially enjoyed helping with baptisms at Trinity Lutheran Church which she felt was a calling because of a natural love for children instilled in her. She was the recipient of many honors and awards throughout her life for her contributions, including a gubernatorial award for leadership.

Albeit widowed, Janie's involvement with home delivered meals led to a friendship and successive marriage to Harvey Demke on Feb. 19, 1994. They enjoyed their lives together being involved at church, volunteering with home delivered meals, helping at the Bismarck Baptist Home, traveling, visiting family and friends and playing golf.

Janie is survived by one sister, Vaneta Hankel, Centennial, Colo.; and her children, Linda Vannest Christiansen (Lee), Gillette, Wyo., John (Janice) Ackerman, Reno, Nev., Robert W. Ackerman (Eileen Werlinger), Bismarck, and Vaneta Ackerman Winberg, Fort Morgan, Colo. Surviving grandchildren include Kara (Kameron) Knudson, Johnston, Iowa, Justin (Niki) Vannest, Broken Arrow, Okla., Rob (Sandy) Ackerman, Mandan, Melissa (Ryan) Lance, Colorado Springs, Colo., Caitlin, Courtney, Caroline, Christina, Collin and Connor Ackerman, Reno, Nev., Cody (Heather) Winberg, Loveland, Colo., and Malorie Winberg, Omaha, Neb. Great-grandchildren include Jaret, Kailyn, Reese and Kellen Knudson, Breanna Ackerman, Noel Vannest, Taylor Lance, Colton Pawlak and expected great-granddaughter, Harlie Winberg (May 2016); along with extended family members, all of which she loved deeply.

Stepchildren from her marriage to Harvey include Keith (Beth) Demke, Linda (Joe) Dietrich and Curtis Demke, all of Bismarck. Step-great-grandchildren include Sarah (Chris) Fogderud, Brainerd, Minn., Allison Demke, Tacoma, Wash., Derek (Alyssa) Demke, Roscoe, Ill., Katharine (Nathan) Hults, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Joshua, Marcus and Olivia Dietrich, Bismarck; and step-great-grandchildren, Layla and Lily Demke.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Elmer Beine; her brother, Dr. William R. Beine; her sister, Betty Jane Banker; her first husband, Robert W. Ackerman; and her second husband, Harvey Demke.

The family has requested memorials be given to Missouri Valley FOP Foundation (Attn: Cops-N-Kids), P.O. Box 2537, Bismarck, N.D. 58502, or directly to a charity of your choice.

Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Janie and sign the online guest book.