Duane V. Ackerman was born May 1, 1940, in Monroe, Michigan. His parents were Dallas and Olga, who preceded him in death as well as his one sister, Lavone Koernke. His late wife, Susan Ackerman and his two aunts, Shirley and Audrey Ackerman, also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Ackerman; his son, Scott Ackerman (Kara); his daughter, Danielle Mitchell (Chris); four grandchildren, Cameron (Aubrey) Ackerman, Beth Mitchell (Stian Sharpe), Bryan Ackerman and Sarah Mitchell; one great-granddaughter, Makina Ackerman; and one brother-in-law, Bill Koernke.
Duane attended a one-room school during his elementary years and later graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree, majoring in Economics, with a minor in Accounting. He then went directly into the United States Army, where he served for 30 years, including a one-year stint in Vietnam, and retired as a full Colonel. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he worked at several places as chief financial officer.
He loved the outdoors, especially camping and gardening. Duane achieved the title of Master Gardener.
Duane committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ as a teenager, and he served the Lord in many ways. He worked at Child Evangelism Fellowship, he taught Bible studies, and led adult Sunday school classes. Duane did numerous volunteer jobs including Crown Ministries and Wycliffe Bible Translators. He was known for being a dedicated hard worker. Though he was frugal, he was a giver. His humor and quick wit always followed him. Duane was respected and loved by all those who knew him.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, at Martin Funeral Home in Warrenton. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, at Martin Funeral Home. Interment with full military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial contributions have been suggested to Camp Barakel or Sunshine Mission-STL.
