Dr. Gerald Lee Ackerman

Dr. Gerald Lee Ackerman, 65, of Eaton, formerly of Richmond, Indiana. died suddenly Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013.

He was born in Dayton, on Nov. 9, 1947 to Robert A. and Evelyn Jane (Gross) Ackerman. He graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus, Indiana. He completed his undergraduate studies, earned a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery and completed an orthodontic residency at Indiana University.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of seven years, Susan Ackerman, Eaton, two sons, Bryce (Whitney) Ackerman, St. Louis, Missouri, Chad (Kelly) Ackerman, Bloomington, Indiana., daughter, Lindsey (Doug) Bivens, Indianapolis, Indiana; three stepsons, Jeff (Mandy) Thompson, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Grant (Libby) Thompson, Cleveland, Scott Thompson and Tara Twomley of Atlanta, Georgia; one grandchild, Sheridan, four step-grandchildren, Aurora, Ella, Josie, and Sloane, his brother, Bob (Patty) Ackerman, Centerville, and sister, Debbie (Roger) Reeves, Dublin, Ohio.

Dr. Ackerman moved with his family to Richmond in 1977 to begin his orthodontic practice and soon expanded to Connersville and New Castle, Indiana. His Richmond office, a dazzling, state of the art building on Chester Blvd., was built with an eye on making braces fun for kids! His office included a juke box and multiple arcade games, and his patient holiday parties encouraged parents to drop their kids off for music, pizza, skits, and huge giveaways that included Ataris, televisions, and stereos.

He was currently treating third generations of patients and was very proud of their accomplishments as reflected on office walls displaying newspaper clippings of their achievements. His loyal staff were dedicated and looked upon him as a friend and mentor. Dr. Ackerman was actively involved in his kids' sporting lives growing up, and he played a major role in growing Boston Little League baseball into a viable option to Richmond's Optimist League. He was an avid reader and always enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean and Las Vegas. Most recently he enjoyed living the more tranquil life of living on a lake with his wife and cats.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a charitable donation be made to one of the following organizations: Adult Day Care of Richmond or Help the Animals of Richmond. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. For condolences: www.lindloffzimmerman.com.