Thomas R. Ackerman, 64, De Pere, died peacefully on March 16, 2018 after a battle with cancer, with family by his side. Born on March 7, 1954, in Shakopee, MN, he is the son of the late Harold and Eileen (Schwie) Ackerman. Tom proudly served in the United States Navy. On August 14, 1999, he married the former Christina Heimerl at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in De Pere. Tom worked a variety of jobs including careers in transportation and working as groundskeeper at Shawano Lake Golf Course. He loved fishing, golfing, cooking, and playing cribbage. Tom will be remembered for his sense of humor and playing practical jokes on friends and family.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Tina, De Pere; two step-children, Ali Willame, (Robert Lane) Wakefield, MI, Drew Hibbard, Green Bay; five sisters and one brother-in-law, Kathy (Bill) Zaluski, Judy Reiter, Joleen Hirscher, Jean Mulvey, and Leah Ackerman (partner, Kristen Mueller); one brother-in-law, Tim (Karen) Heimerl; three sisters-in-law, Laura Heimerl, and Beth (Mike) Van Rossum, Lisa (Jim) Guns; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Ray (Erma) Ackerman; maternal grandparents, Arthur (Clara) Schwie; and two brothers-in-law, George Reiter, and Bob Heimerl; and his in-laws, Hugh (Bonnie) Heimerl.
Visitation at St. Anne Episcopal Church, 347 Libal St, De Pere, Saturday, March 24th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial Mass 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday at the church with the Rev. Eric Mills officiating. Entombment at the church. Simply Cremation and Funerals is serving the family, 431-0100.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Father Eric Mills, Deacon Mary Lynn, and Deacon Dale for their compassionate assistance. They would also like to express their gratitude to Heartland Hospice, especially – Katie, Jason, and William, as well as the staff at Green Bay VA Oncology. A very special thanks to Tom’s niece, Michelle, who assisted in various ways throughout the past year.