Gloria Ackerman

Gloria Maxine Wicke was born November 28, 1934 to Floyd and Lucile (Kastens) Wicke on her grandfather's farm north of Ludell, Kansas. She died peacefully in her sleep Monday, September 21, 2020 at the age of 85.

Gloria grew up in the German, Lutheran community north of Ludell. She was baptized, confirmed, and attended parochial school at Trinity Lutheran Church. Following graduation from Atwood High School in 1952, Gloria was employed at the Agricultural and Conservation office in Atwood. She met Richard Ackerman on a Lutheran retreat being held in Downs, KS. They were married on December 5, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church north of Ludell.

Richard and Gloria lived on a farm south of Beloit where Richard farmed and had a dairy business. Gloria was employed as a bookkeeper for Beloit Dairy. Three children were born to this union: Marsha, Beverly, and Henry James (H.J.)

In 1962 Richard purchased Broberg Implement in Beloit and renamed it Ackerman Supply. They moved the family to town and built a home on north Broadway. Gloria was at Richard's side, working long hours to build up the business. They were proud to celebrate 50 years of business in 2012. During this time Gloria also worked part-time for Doc Chapman's veterinary clinic.

Gloria loved being a mother and grandmother. She always put her family first. She was kind and generous, always willing to help her family, friends, and neighbors. She was a good friend to many. Gloria had a deep faith and was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church for 65 years. Richard died on December 5, 2014, the date of their 60 ^th wedding anniversary. Shortly after, Gloria moved to Hilltop Lodge Assisted Living. This summer Gloria moved to the Downs Care and Rehabilitation Center, where she resided until her death.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, sister Myrna Hesterman, and infant brother Floyd Jerome. Survivors include one brother, James (Deb) Wicke, Loveland, Colorado; two daughters, Marsha (Chris) Halpin, Lenexa, Kansas, and Beverly (Steve) Long, Osborne, Kansas; and one son H.J. (Kristi) Ackerman, Beloit. Gloria leaves four grandchildren: Kellen (Lora) Long, Northglen, Colorado, Tristen (Ashley) Long, Beloit, Wyatt Ackerman, Los Angeles, California, and Shelby Ackerman, Australia; two step-grandchildren: Adam (Payton) McClintock, Inola, Oklahoma, and Matt (Kirsten) McClintock, Shawnee, Kansas; three great grandchildren; and four step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, September 24 at the Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family present from 5-6:30 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Church or Oaks Indian Mission.

The service will be live-streamed through the Zion Lutheran Church Facebook page.