Obituary of Duane Ray Ackerman

Duane Ray Ackerman, age 65, of Clare, Michigan passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday September 4, 2023, in Midland surrounded by his family. He was born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on February 26, 1958 to Thomas (Jerry) and Vera Jean (Slater) Ackerman.

Duane was a hard-working family man, always there for his mother, his children, and his friends. He had several careers before he retired, working for a local factory in Clare as a mechanic, then as a commercial painter in Mount Pleasant. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, morel mushrooming and gardening.  He loved camping and especially the annual sucker fishing camp in Omer with his children, grandchildren, and friends. Later in life he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and showing them how to hunt and fish. He spent many patient hours untangling grandchildren's fishing lines, while always having smile on his face. Duane's dedication to his children's success and the love he gave them helped make them successful in the careers that they have chosen.

Duane is survived by his sons, Jason (April) Ackerman, Derrick Ackerman, and Kyle Ackerman; his step-daughters, ThresaAnne (Kevin) Klepser and Ronda Spencer-Streeter; his beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Skyler, Katie, Ivan, and Mackenzie; his loving partner, Tara Ackerman; his sisters, Deb (Greg) Dassay and Dawn (Lettick) Martin; sister-in-law, Sheryl Ackerman; and many nieces and nephews.  Duane was preceded in death by his father, Thomas (Jerry) Ackerman; parents, Cliff and Vera Jean Lettick; older brother, Danny Ackerman; niece, Courtney Lettick; and great-niece, Sydney Ackerman, all of whom were there to welcome him into his heavenly home.

God saw that he was getting tired,
A cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around him
and whispered, "Come with Me."
With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer,
And saw him fade away.
Although we loved him dearly.
We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard-working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes "the best".

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 pm. September 30, 2023 at the Church of Daniel’s Band, 4835 Bard Road, Beaverton MI 48612, with Pastor Tim Watkins officiating.  The family will receive family and friends at church, from 11 am to 12 pm prior to the service. A meal will follow in the hall.

Family would like to express their gratitude to Pastor Max Kerr of Holy Scripture Lutheran Church (Midland) and Pastor Tim Watkins of Church of Daniel’s Band (Beaverton) for their spiritual support at Duane’s side and throughout the day, and also, to the Intensive Care Team at MyMichigan Health for their efforts, care and support, Thank You. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.