Donald Eugene Ackermann

Obituary

Donald E. Ackermann

July 31, 2009

Donald E. Ackermann, 60 year old Worland resident passed away on July 31, 2009 at the Washakie Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Donald was born on January 5, 1949 in Waterloo, Iowa to Harry and Carolyn (Smith) Ackermann. His early years were spent in Reinbeck, IA where he enjoyed swimming, hunting and fishing. Acting as his dad's shadow, he eagerly absorbed everything he could from his father's knowledge and expertise as an engineer/inventor/machinist in the family's Ag spraying business. The family moved to Rockford, IL during his early teen years, where he became an avid boater and water skier on the Rock River. His final three years of high school, the family lived in Monticello, IA. Don became an accomplished welder, working after school at the Franklin Equipment Factory. Graduating in 1967, he then went into engineering at the University of Missouri at Rolla for two years. On Sept. 3, 1969, he married Jorja First in Monticello, IA. They transferred to Iowa State University. His education was interrupted in 1971 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the 728th Battalion as an MP in Korea. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to ISU, graduating in 1975 with a BS in Forestry.

Don's first job with the Forest Service was on the Medicine Wheel District out of Lovell, WY. The family moved to Detroit, OR for a year on the Willamette Forest. They then returned to the Big Horns to work for the Ten Sleep Ranger District, living in the Ten Sleep area until 1991. During this time he held many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Bishopric with a special love for the youth and the elderly. The family moved to Worland where he turned his forestry career from his work as a forester in the field to RIS Management. He continued with this until his health forced an early retirement after 25 years.

Don had a pioneering and courageous spirit in everything he endeavored to do. In his early 40's he pursued a childhood goal of mastering the art of karate, achieving his black belt with the Ron Alo School of Kenpo Karate. He gave of himself tirelessly to bless the lives of others, always putting his own family first, yet never turning away another.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Andrew Hazen.

Don is survived by his wife Jorja of 39 years, sons: Joel (Jessica Owens) of Potter Valley, CA, Matt of Worland, Daniel of Potter Valley, CA, and Alex of Worland; daughters: Heather (James) Hilmer of Worland, Jill (Josh) Crimm of Lexington Park, MD; and Sylvia (Chris) Hazen of Worland; brother: Ron (Mary Kay) Ackermann of Monicello, IA; sister: Joyce Young of Amarillo, TX; grandchildren: Shayna, Carly, Haley, and Gregory Hilmer; Raistlin and Lucy Jane Crimm; and Bleu Owens.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center with Steve Trombley officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 44. Visitation for family and friends will be held 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel and one hour prior to the services. Memorial donations may be made to the Don Ackermann Memorial in care of Bryant Funeral Home, PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences can be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com . Bryant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements