Gerald Ackerman

Gerald Francis Ackerman, warmly known as Jerry or the lovable Grampster, was born on October 17, 1937, in Freeport, IL, and lived a spirited, ambitious, and fulfilling life. A witty and smart man, Gerald possessed a zest for life that was simply contagious. He was a devoted member of the St. Mary Catholic Church for over 50 years, where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister. His faith was an integral part of his life, and he lived by the verse, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Jerry's ambition was evident throughout his varied and successful career. He was a lifelong farmer, dedicated to both agriculture and dairy farming. After enduring a fall from a corn crib that broke both legs, he showed his indomitable spirit by working for Schwan's Company during his recovery. Once healed, he embarked on a new career as a tool and die maker at Micro Switch, a division of Honeywell in Freeport, IL. Jerry was not just industrious in his professional life; he and his beloved wife, Donna, also mowed over 80 lots at Lake Summerset for more than 30 years. His passion for cars led him to restore a '53 Kaiser and work on all types of vehicles. Jerry's love for sports, especially watching the Wisconsin Badgers, engaging in bocce ball, card clubs, and bowling leagues, all of these added to his vibrant and engaging personality. Gerald's love for the UD (Union Dairy) in Freeport and their ice cream was a passion he happily passed onto his children and grandchildren. Above everything, what mattered most to Gerald was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to Donna, for 66 years and a cherished father to Deb (Howard) Tucker, Mike (Lizzy) Ackerman, and the late Roger Ackerman. He was a treasured grandfather to Ashley, Brandon, Nicole, Kiara, Elsa, and Dylan. And great-grandfather to David, Cecilia, James, Levi, and Emmett leaving behind a legacy of love and wisdom. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Donnie (Donna) Ackerman, and his sister, Janice Ackerman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marjorie Ackerman, his son Roger, and his granddaughter Chelsea Tucker. The visitation for Gerald Ackerman will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at McCorkle Funeral Home - Durand Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Durand, IL with a Rosary Service being held at 5:45 p.m. Burial to be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 606 W. Main Street, Durand, IL with prayers to be held prior to mass at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, Tuesday. For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream will be available at https://my.gather.app/remember/gerald-ackerman-2022. We invite you to share your memories of Jerry and upload photos to the memorial page, celebrating the life and legacy of this remarkable man. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center either by mail by including Gerald's name in the memo section with the Fund ID number: 112586692 and written to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund, US Bank Lock Box 77807, Milwaukee, WI 53278 or online by visiting https://give.wiscmedicine.org/give/443075/#!/donation/checkout