Tributes

Douglas Charles Ackermann, 85, passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, October 5, 2010, with his wife and family members by his side. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, on Sep 15, 1925, the eighth of nine children of George Charles and Thekla Amelia Pauline Mueller Ackermann. He lived in San Antonio all his life and was a proud and dedicated Texan. Childhood memories included playing on the walls of the Alamo before they were repaired. They had a large garden and milked their own cows. As an adult, he had a strong aversion to cottage cheese, cream cheese and sour cream. He said he had enough of all that growing up to last a lifetime. He also experienced some thrilling rides with his brother on roller skates from the top of the hill on Hildebrand down to Broadway. Following graduation from Harlandale High School in 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1944. While stationed at Camp Reynolds in Pennsylvania, he was introduced on a blind date to June Lavern Goff. He kissed her on the cheek that first date and the "happily ever after" was started. Soon after, he left for Europe as a clerk in the medical supply office. One of his favorite mementos was found while visiting Marseilles with a few of his buddies. They asked a local fisherman to take them to an island a few miles off. While on the island, they explored the Chateau d'If which had been used as a fortress during the German occupation of France. It was here that he found an official German military stamp. Doug was an artist. He was asked to draw 6 Christmas cards on V-mail for one of the officers. The art was so well done, one of the cards was chosen to be copied and sent out from the entire unit. His talent led to an invitation to work for Walt Disney. He declined because he thought he might have conflicts with the Sabbath. Doug came home to Texas to separate from the military. His intent had been to return to Ohio for June but once in Texas he didn't want to leave. He asked June to come to San Antonio. She let him know her mother wouldn't approve of that. He responded, "But we'll be married." That was his announcement of their engagement. They were married on September 10, 1945. Doug entered a 48-month training program to become a journeyman electrician and then went to work for Zoller Electric. He eventually started his own business with his son, Bobby - D&R Electric. He worked with Bobby for approximately 27 years and was an electrician for over 40 years. Doug loved doing electrical contract work in many homes and businesses throughout San Antonio. His customers loved his ability to complete each job with perfection. He did much of the wiring for the Laurel Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church and later handcrafted the wrought iron chandeliers for the sanctuary, which are still hanging today. He also wired many of the buildings at the Nameless Valley Ranch, operated by the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists near Leander, Texas. In the early 60's, Doug and June moved to a lovely 3-acre site on Oakland Road. This home was well-known for its oak trees and was the site of many happy occasions including several weddings, church socials, Easter breakfasts, and countless tree-climbing sessions with many children. Doug was endlessly using his electric blower to keep the driveway clear of leaves and was not happy when in his '80s he was told by his children he was no longer allowed to climb on the roof to sweep leaves off. Doug devoted much of his life to serving the church in one capacity or another. He served as a Sabbath School teacher and superintendent, Deacon, Head Elder and was one of the longest-ever serving Texas Conference Committee members. He served 24 years during 1968-1997. He was a man of few words but he was articulate and credible when he spoke. Doug took pleasure in his horses and working outdoors. He enjoyed playing tennis and camping with his family at Inks Lake and Falcon Dam. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs. He never attended any games but rarely missed them on TV. Doug was a very special man who will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his family and his Lord. He was inspiring to all who met him and throughout his life he was an example of Christian integrity, striving for excellence in everything he did. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters. Brothers – LeRoy Ackermann, Richard Ackermann, William Ackermann and Eugene. Thee sisters – Schotze Birdwell, Margarite Howell, and Lois. Eugene and Lois died in their childhood. He is survived by his wife, June Ackermann, two daughters and son – Shirley Robert deWayne Beers, Jacqueline Hamm, and Robert Marsha Ackermann. He is survived by six grandchildren – Heidi Ryan Bergstrom, Vanessa Hamm, Cody Nisha Ackermann, Amanda Drew Misfeldt, Austin Hamm, Melissa Weston Ripps and three great grandchildren – Aidan, Zane and Nina Bergstrom. He is also survived by one sister – Dorothy Eastwood Services will be held on October 11, 2010 at Laurel Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church, 703 W. Ashby, San Antonio. Visitation – 11 AM and Funeral Service – 12 Noon. Graveside service will follow at Mission Parks Burial, 20900 IH 10 West. All family and friends are invited to a fellowship luncheon at Laurel Heights SDA Church following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Amazing Facts, www.amazingfacts.org or American Parkinson's Disease Association, www.apdaparkinson.org

Tributes

Douglas C. Ackermann

September 15, 1925 - October 5, 2010