Roger Laverne Ackerman

Roger LaVerne Ackerman, 79, of Pecatonica died July 26, 2014 at Rockford Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. Born on March 31, 1935 in Freeport, he was the son of Edward and Ada (Poppen) Ackerman. He married Mildred Wichman on October 7, 1961 in Baileyville Reformed Church. He farmed in the German Valley area his entire life. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1953 and attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI where he sang in the Back to God Hour Choir. Roger served in the US Army Reserves. He also served as a trustee for Ridott Township, and on the Northwestern Illinois Mutual Insurance Board. A lifelong member of Grace Valley Christian Reformed Church, he served as Sunday school superintendent, elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher for the church. His faith was an important part of his daily life. Surviving are his wife, Mildred of Pecatonica; five children, Dr. Laurie Ackerman of Indianapolis, IN, Bradley Ackerman of Pecatonica, Stephanie (Matthew) Snider of Forreston, Dawn (Guy) Groenewold of Forreston and Brent (Tamara) Ackerman of Lena; seven grandchildren Caleb, Josiah & Anna Snider, Naeva and Christian Groenewold, and Addison and Jonah Ackerman; brother Darrell (Joyce) Ackerman of Grand Rapids MI, brother-in-law Dr. Robert DeVries and sister-in-law Ruby Wichman as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Charlene DeVries, and brother-in-law Lester Wichman. Funeral services will be 11 am Tuesday, July 29 at Grace Valley Christian Reformed Church of German Valley with pastors Rev. Adam Stout, Rev. Peter DeJong, and Dr. Matthew Snider presiding. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport, IL. Friends may call from 3 to 7 pm Monday, July 28 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.burketubbs.com.