Jean I. (Landgraf) Ackerman passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Manor Court, with her daughters at her side.
Born September 1, 1923, she was the daughter of Hazel (Nicks) Landgraf McLarnon and Alfred Landgraf. She married Gene "Ack" Ackerman on March 31, 1945; he died on May 24, 2004. A 1942 graduate of FHS, Jean was proud of being the first female class president. She worked as a secretary at Burgess Battery for six years, and was a very valued employee in the office at the Masonic Temple for fifteen years. Jean was part of the team that provided refreshments to the WWII troop trains. As a life-long member of Second Presbyterian Church, (now United Presbyterian Church), she served many years as a deacon, as well as financial secretary, and Bible and Sunday school teacher. Jean was very loved by those who knew her, from her early days through her final days at Liberty Village Estates and Manor Court, and will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Always a caring and gentle person, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend, and was considered a substitute mother by others who had previously lost their own.
Surviving are her daughters, Jan (Glen) Kunkle of Freeport and Sue (Mike) Blake of Bloomington, MN; her grandchildren, Jenelle (Jon) Story of Smyrna, GA, Kristin Peterson of Eden Prairie, MN, and Steven Kunkle of Freeport; and one great granddaughter, Sophia Story.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene Ackerman; two brothers, Ken and Bob Landgraf; and one granddaughter, Kimberly Peterson.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 17, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at Walker Mortuary. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at United Presbyterian Church (UPC), with a luncheon to follow.
Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for UPC, FHN Hospice and Freeport Park District.