Arlene Mildred Ackerman

of Fruitport, Michigan

Arlene Mildred (White) Ackerman heard Jesus call her name on October 1, 2013. Leaving behind her life of chronic pain, she stepped quietly into her heavenly home. Arlene was born on July 18, 1924, to Fanny (Boozer) and Samuel Edward White. As a teenager, Arlene trusted Christ as her Savior and lived a life committed to him. In 1946, at Curve Crest Roller Rink, Arlene met and fell in love with Julius Ackerman of Muskegon. After their marriage in 1947, they settled in Fruitport and raised their family. Arlene worked for Fruitport Public Schools for seventeen years, first as secretary to the high school principal and later in adult education. Arlene loved God, loved her family, and loved people. She was selfless in service, kind to all, and an encourager to everyone she met. Like the woman in Proverbs 31, she was always doing something with her hands. Whether she was knitting or sewing, cooking or cleaning, typing or playing the piano, she was making the world a more beautiful place.

Arlene is survived by Julius, her loving husband of 66 years; their children, Julie (Jay) Link and Jim (Denise) Ackerman; two grandchildren, Craig (Lindsay) Ackerman and Peter (Emilia) Ackerman; three great granddaughters, and one brother, Jack (Marian) White. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ruth and Lillian, and her brother Bill. Although Arlene had only two children, she was “mom” to many, including Carl-Heinz Fischer of Germany, who lived in their home as an exchange student in 1969–70 and who has visited many times since with his wife Jutta and daughters Christine and Julia.

Visitation was on Friday, October 4, from 5:30–8 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 213 Oak Street, Fruitport, MI 49415. A memorial service was held the following day, Saturday, October 5, at 2:00, also at Bethel Baptist Church, with Pastor Paul Lamberson officiating. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution is encouraged to consider Bethel Baptist Church or Harbor Hospice, Poppen Residence.

You can can also give to Mission India, You can give one of two ways:

1) Give by mail, to PO Box 141312, Grand Rapids, MI 49514-1312. Just include a note that it is in memory of Arlene Ackerman. If you want a gift acknowledgement sent from Mission India to Dad (please do), include that in the note and just say to talk to Lindsay (our daughter-in-law) about it.
2) Donate online at www.missionindia.org/give and put a note in the comments that it is in memory of Arlene Ackerman and if you want the gift acknowledgement sent (and Lindsay’s name for details).

You can give specifically to one of their programs (Adult Literacy Classes, Children’s Bible Clubs, or Church Planter Training) or if you don’t specify they will use it as needed.

Arlene Ackerman 1924-2013

(This is an mp4 file of the funeral. You may need to authorize QuickTime to view it.)

"It is not death to die, to leave this weary road,
And join the saints who dwell on high, who've found their home with God.
It is not death to close the eyes long dimmed by tears,
And wake in joy before Your throne, delivered from our fears."
Henri Malan


Take me home!