Richard H. Ackerman

Richard Harold Ackerman was born December 19, 1929 to Henry G. and Henrietta (Rall) Ackerman in Hoxie, Kansas. He died December 5, 2014 at the age of 84. He had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in mid-November.

Richard attended Hoxie Grade School, Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School and graduated from Sheridan County High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1948 at age 18. He was first assigned to the USS Gardiners Bay, a sea plane tender. They refueled sea planes that evacuated American citizens from China. After his discharge, Richard came to reside in Beloit, where his brother-in-law and sister, Ernest & Irene Deschner lived. He began a dairy farm business. When the Korean War broke out, Richard was called back into the US Navy Reserves. This time ,he served on the USS Electron, a Navy electronics supply ship. He was discharged in September, 1953.

On December 5, 1954, Richard was united in marriage to Gloria M. Wicke at Trinity Lutheran Church, a country church located north of Ludell, KS. They lived on a farm south of Beloit, Richard continued to milk cows and farm. 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. In 1973 he built a store on East Highway 24 which is the present location of the store today. In January, 1983 he built and opened a 2nd store in Osborne, KS. In 1991, he opened a 3rd store in Concordia which he later sold. Ackerman Supply was proud to celebrate 50 years of business in 2014. The business continues to grow thanks to the hard work of son H.J. Ackerman and wife Kristi, son-in-law Steve Long and wife Beverly, and the many employees, both past and present.

Richard loved working. When he left the store, he could be found plowing his fields, harvesting wheat, building houses, or mowing his yard. His hobby was restoring old automobiles.

Richard was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Lutheran Church. He was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, Beloit for over 60 years. In his younger years, he taught Sunday School, was sponsor of the youth group, and a member of the church council.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Henry G. and Henrietta (Rall) Ackerman, brother Gilbert Ackerman and his wife Norma, and brother-in-law Ernest Deschner.

Survivors include his wife Gloria; two daughters Marsha Halpi and husband Chris, Lenexa, KS; Beverly Long and husband Steve, Osborne, KS; and one son Henry J. (H.J.) and wife Kristi, Beloit. Richard leaves four grandchildren Kellen Long (Lora), Thornton, CO, Tristen Long, Osborne, Wyatt Ackerman, Mission, KS, Shelby Ackerman, Lawrence, KS; and two step grandchildren Adam (Payton) McClintock, Broken Arrow, OK, Matt (Kirsten) McClintock) Shawnee, KS. In addition, Richard is survived by one sister Irene Deschner, Beloit; brothers Carl Ackerman and wife Janese, Amarillo, TX, and Robert Ackerman and wife Alice, Park, KS.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Wednesday, December 10 at the Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday at the McDonald Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Church or Solomon Valley Hospice.