Merle J Ackerman

MERLE J. ACKERMAN - 1930-2024

Merle J. Ackerman, 94, of Nipomo, CA, passed away on October 1, 2024. He was born in George, Iowa on April 1, 1930, the 5th of 9 children to Peter

Ackerman and Anna Symens. He lived on the family farm until they moved to town when he was 12 years old. After graduating from George High School, he worked to earn his way to college and engineering school. He married a local girl, Norma Lucas, and soon their son Michael was born. When the Korean War broke out, Merle joined the Navy. He was sent to electronics school and worked with early warning systems. After a U.N. tour of Europe, he served on the carrier USS Wright off the coast of Korea. At the close of the war he came home to Iowa and his daughter, Kay had just been born. Merle continued his studies in electrical engineering, graduating from Iowa State University. He managed and ran several technical companies before going to work for 3M. While at 3M, he headed development in Japan and Korea as well as communication systems worldwide. Upon retirement, he bought an RV and hit the road for several years. He settled in Nipomo and married the beautiful artist, Marsha Duenas. Together, they build their dream house in the Nipomo hills and developed an avocado ranch. Merle loved to travel and golf. He and Marsha were active in many local organizations. They were charter members of Nipomo Lions, helped the DANA adobe, the local VFW, and Central Coast Gyros. After the death of Marsha and Rob Veder, Merle and Kathy Veder found happiness together. For several years they traveled and entertained until his sudden death the morning they were leaving on their next adventure.

Merle is survived by his daughter Kay Ackerman, son Michael Ackerman, stepdaughter Shelly Coleman, brothers Larry and David, sisters Levina and Ruthann, grandchildren Molly, Becca, Michael, and Jessica, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grand children as well as Kathy Veder.

Merle's ashes will be interred in the Evergreen Cemetery in his hometown of George, Iowa. Comments may be made on the Lady Family Mortuary website or Neptune society. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.