Robert Ackman

Robert I. Ackman, age 85, of Faribault, died Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.             Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church at Sacred Heart in Faribault. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association of which he was a dedicated member.             Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church.             Robert Irvin Ackman, the son of Irvin W. and Mayme (Venero) Ackman, was born on August 14, 1923 in Faribault. He was raised on his family's farm and attended country school near Cannon Lake. Bob was married to Leona Kramer on June 8, 1943 at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Bob was a lifetime and active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1562 and served as a VFW national officer. He was also a member of the Central Veterans Association and the American Legion Post 43. Bob farmed on his homestead until the late 1970s. He also was a concrete plant manager for many years until his retirement. As a second career, Bob worked for Harry Brown's Dealership for over 20 years driving cars.             He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Leona; five sons, Lou (Judy) of Faribault, Richard (Sue) of Hendersonville, NC, Don (Linda K.) of Shoreview, MN, Jim (Linda M.) of Faribault, and Chuck (Karen) of Faribault; 7 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.             He was preceded in death by his parents.