Virgil Ackerman

Virgil Ackerman, 85, of Atwater, died Tuesday, January 13 at CentraCare-Rice Hospital in Willmar. His funeral service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, January 17 at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home.

Virgil Ackerman was born on July 31, 1940, to Harold and Violet (Lindblad) Ackerman in Kandiyohi County. He was baptized and confirmed at Tripolis Lutheran Church in Kandiyohi. Raised on a dairy farm, Virgil learned the importance of hard work at a young age. He attended country school through the eighth grade and later graduated from Atwater High School in 1959. Following high school, Virgil enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country for four years.

On December 28, 1963, Virgil was united in marriage to Karen Christiensen in Sleepy Eye. Together they were blessed with five children: Jody, Jill, Jennifer, Jessica, and Jonathon. The couple made their home on a farm near Atwater, where they raised their family.

Virgil milked cows his entire life and took great pride in establishing Vir Kar J Swiss Farm. With the exception of family members, no one else ever milked his cows, a point of great pride for him. His children were often by his side, helping on the farm, where Virgil ensured they learned the value of dedication and hard work.

A lifelong farmer, Virgil enjoyed showing cattle at county fairs and supporting youth through 4-H and FFA programs. Vir Kar J Swiss Farm was Meeker County Farm Family in 2013 and PDCA Distinguished Breeder award in 2004. He served on the Meeker County DHIA Board, was a member of the Minnesota Brown Swiss Association, where he also served as president, the National Brown Swiss Association. Virgil also had a fondness for Minneapolis-Moline tractors and, above all, cherished supporting his grandchildren in all they did. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos.

Virgil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen; his children: Jody (Allen) Krueger, Jill (Darrin Herd) Ackerman, Jennifer (Matthew) Welling, Jessica (Dale) Vatthauer, and Jonathon (Rachael) Ackerman; and his grandchildren: Caitlyn (Jake) Chronister, Carlie Krueger, Chayce (Hannah) Krueger, Gracie (Nic) Jackson, Gentrie, Gradie, and Grissum Vatthauer, Paige and Preston Welling, and Violet, Leo, and Ollie Ackerman. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Debbie Christiensen; brother-in-law, Larry Johnson; and many other relatives.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Violet Ackerman; his brother, John Ackerman; and his sister, Harriet Johnson.