Donald L. Ackerman, age 92, of Wooster, Ohio passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024. He joins his family proceeding his death: his wife, Betsy Ackerman of 57 years; father and mother, Lewis and Rena Ackerman; sister, Karen Schwartz.
Don was born in 1932 in Wadsworth, Ohio. He was drafted into the Army for the Korean War in 1952 as a supply sergeant and tank driver. With his father and cousins, he opened and managed several retail businesses in Wooster and Wadsworth including The B & B Store, The Value Center, and Factory Fashions.
As an avid golfer, Don’s favorite job was working at the Wooster Country Club. He enjoyed golfing in his leagues, lunching with the “Pocket Changers”, and playing for quarters in the evenings. He had 3 hole-in-ones between the ages of 82-87. Don also fancied betting on horses, football, and basketball. He was still placing bets last week.
Don’s greatest joy was spending time with family, friends, and his dogs. He will be greatly missed by his children Cari (Chris) Van Pelt of Cincinnati, OH, Michael (Beckie) Ackerman, grandsons Joshua and Benjamin of Brecksville, OH, brother-in-law Phillip Schwartz, nephews Ethan (Shawnda) Schwartz, Robb (Bea) Schwartz and great-nephew Kurt Schwartz, adopted children Chris and Allison Green and grandchildren Jensen (Mollie) Green, Madalyn (Zach) Vaughn and Alayna Green.
Services will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, OH 44691.
Friends will be received 1 hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ohio LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691, www.ohiohospice.org/wooster or USO (United Service Organizations) www.uso.org/donate.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends. I will miss him and his smile ♥️♥️♥️
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He will forever be in your heart. Sending you hugs and prayers. Take care my friend.
Sympathies to the family. I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My family has known his family since I was a child. He always had a smile and genuinely cared about everyone. He is out on the golf course in heaven with a new body – free of pain, Rest In Peace Don.
Sympathies to the family. I am sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I know Besty was waiting to welcome him. Don was one of the first to welcome Larry and I to Wooster, Ohio and The Wooster Country Club. He always had a story to share and made me laugh. I will miss him as I do Besty. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Cari and Michael your parents are together again!
Bob and MaryAnn Wellington
Our heartfelt condolences to you Betsy and family.
My sincere condolences to Don’s family. He was a good man and a good friend and I will miss our conversations on stock and horses.
Sending love and prayers for your family. Know all of the great memories will bring some peace and comfort.
Very sorry for your loss
So sorry to hear that another of my friends from Ohio has passed away. Good memories of Don and playing golf with him for many years. May he rest in peace.
I am sorry to hear of Don’s passing – My deep condolences to Cari and Mike and entire Don’s family and relatives – Don and Betsy are my very nice neighbors – I will surely miss them both.
Donnie was our next-door neighbor for 25 plus years on Monterey Street.
He and Betsy were integral to “our village” that helped raise us 4 McClelland kids. From meals shared, carpooling, to Catholic and Jewish holidays shared, swim meets to nighttime neighborhood games of hide and seek, amongst everything else, Donnie could be counted on to make sure we were loved and toe’d the line, outside of our own loving parents.
To say we were lucky is an understatement. We will miss Donnie (and Betsy), but we will laugh often over the memories of our youth that we shared with him and his family over those years. They were and still are (Cari and Michael!!) an integral part of our lives.
To Cari, Mike and families, we are so very sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with Don when I would see him at the medical office. He was a jokester for sure and would start calling out my name at the other end of the long hall just to embarrass me and Betsy would just smile and roll her eyes. Don was one of the first people Tom talked about who welcomed him and introduced Tom to other members and golfers when we joined the Country Club. Don was a true ambassador for WCC. Don also liked to talk about the TV show Oak Island with Tom as they had common interests. Your parents hold a special place in our hearts. Sending our deepest condolences.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a kind and friendly person. He will be deeply missed by so many. My condolences to the family.
My deep condolences to Carrie and Michael and your families.
Michael and Carri,
I am so sorry to hear that your father passed away. Extending my heartfelt sympathy during this time of loss. I’ve known your parents from a very young age and have such fond memories of the past. My condolences to you and your family.
Caro and Michael- We loved your dad so much! And are so grateful we were able to have him in our lives for 50+ years! He was a lucky man always surrounded by love and care. We are family forever!
We love you. Chuck, Sue, Kata and Tisha
Carie and Michael our deepest symphanies to you and your family. We remember the dinners we shared together and the fun time spent with Don and Betsey. Michael our sons send their condonlences. Its so hard to lose both parents. Our prayers are with you.