Garnet Ackerman

Garnet Ackerman, 96, died on December 29, 2020 in FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL. She was born October 26, 1924; to Herman and Emilie (Bethke) Conell on a farm near Thayer, NE. She attended Lutheran Grade School, and graduated as valedictorian of Thayer High School. She also received a scholarship to York College but was unable to attend due to finances. Garnet moved to Illinois in 1943 and was employed at Microswitch during the war. She married Marion Ackerman in 1945. They farmed together for 64 years. He died June 30, 2009. She enjoyed her family, gardening and her beautiful flowers.

Garnet is survived by her two children, Larry (Marsha) Ackerman and Linda (James) Graeper; three grandchildren, Mark (Carol) Ackerman, Amy (Dave) Wisniewski and Jennifer Ackerman; five great-grandchildren, Jacob, Allison, Paige, Alexandra and Sarah; close family members, Norma Jean Davis, sister-in-law, Phyliss Ackerman and niece, Mary Ackerman and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, 4 brothers; 3 sisters and brother-in-law, Allan Ackerman.

There will be a private burial in Grand View Cemetery in Freeport beside her husband. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in Garnet’s name. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Murphy Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com