Russell D. Ackerman

Russell D. Ackerman, 90, of Leesburg, Fla., formerly of Tawas City passed away peacefully at his home in Leesburg, Fla. on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018.
Russell was born June 4, 1927 in Royal Oak. Russell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948-1950. Russell married the former Jean D. Hemme on May 24, 1950 and together they raised six children, Kathleen, Deborah, Russell Jr., Gregory, Jeanette and Patricia.
Russell worked for several jewelers as a certified horologist (watch maker) for several years before opening his own store, Ackerman Jewelers in Detroit. Russell relocated his family to Tawas City in 1968 where he opened the Tawas Time Shop eventually turning the time shop into Tawas Jewelers.
Russell's favorite pastimes were playing the board game of Sorry and/or Rumikub, playing with his dog Holly, reading, watching movies and he was always quick with a joke or limerick with his great sense of humor.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Penny; brother, Kenneth Ackerman of Livonia; six children, Kathleen Spaulding (Bernie), Debbie Wasche (Joe), Russell Ackerman Jr. (Patti), Gregory Ackerman, Jeanette Branham (Jim Freytag) and Patricia Kasischke (Doug Polidori); and step-son, Craig Hamilton; 20 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Holly.
Russell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Jean; his parents, Herbert and Katherine (Decker) Ackerman; brothers, Donald, Herbert, Robert, Claude and Richard; and sisters, Helen, Ruth and Margaret.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 401 Main St., East Tawas. Pastor Matt Carpenter will officiate. Interment will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Tawas City. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and/or Iosco County Animal Shelter.