William Bennet Akert

William Bennet Akert

William Bennet Akert was always known as "Ben," never William or Bill. He was born in Ely, Nevada on July 7, 1930 to William and Bluma Akert, and was raised in Ruth, Nevada.

The Akert family moved to Reno in 1945 and purchased a grocery store which became "Akert's Market," located on the corner of East 4th Street and Alameda (now N. Wells Avenue).

Ben enrolled in Northside Junior High, then went to Reno High School, graduating in the class of 1949. He had many friends at both schools, and these friendships continued throughout his lifetime. He was employed by Food King Markets, and later founded "Ben's Discount Liquors."

Throughout his life, Ben touched many people, and had the ability to always make friends. He had an incredible sense of humor and wit, which he used to lighten every situation. He never harbored a negative thought. In retirement, Ben became an accomplished gardener. He maintained a vegetable garden, sharing its bounty with friends. However, his first love was growing dahlias in amazing colors and varieties.

Ben was a former member of the Reno Chamber of Commerce, Convention Authority Board, Executives Association of Reno, Hidden Valley Country Club, Montreux, A.A. and the Coney Island Coffee Club.

Ben is survived by his wife, Anita; sister, Joy Clifford; brother-in-law Matt Gerbatz; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; first wife, Mary Jo Gerbatz; and sisters, Betty Brown and Beryl Jackson.

Services will be held at Walton's Funeral Home, 875 West Second St., Reno, on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please remember Ben with a donation to a charity of choice.