John R. Ackerman, age 59, of Oshkosh, WI, passed away on Tuesday, December 9th at home with his loving family by his side after a six month journey battling a Glioblastoma brain tumor. He was born on April 15, 1955 the son of Richard and June Ackerman.
John graduated from Oshkosh West in 1974 and earned his Associate's degree from Fox Valley Technical College in Graphic Arts. He married his wife, Julie, on January 15, 1977 and began his career as a pre-press technician at Service Litho Print. During his years in the printing field, John took great pride in his work and especially enjoyed his role in the production of Fleer Cards at Outlook Graphics followed by years of employment at Ripon Community Printers.
John's pride and joy were his children, Joe, Anne, and Alex, along with his faithful four-legged companion, Bucky. He loved coaching their youth athletic teams and greatly enjoyed the many family excursions and athletic events that were taken throughout the years. John cherished all the memories and wonderful times spent with his brothers-in-law and sisters in-law and their families. He treasured their continuous love, support, and laughter. It meant everything to him and his family.
John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Julie (Kemp) Ackerman of Oshkosh, and his children, Anne (fiancé Johnny Scott) Ackerman of Oshkosh, Joseph (Sarah) Ackerman of Sussex, and Alex Ackerman of Milwaukee; aunt, Audrey Ackerman of Oshkosh; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeff (Marie) Kemp of Oshkosh, Terese (Terry) Gerhardt of Madison, Ellen (Diane Peterman) Kemp of Oshkosh, and Dr. G. Joseph (Sue) Kemp, Jr. of Fond du Lac; nieces and nephews, Spencer (Ellen Kenny) Gerhardt of Los Angeles, CA, Teena (Matt, Emmy, and Eloise) Hedden of East Lansing, MI, Katie (Robert) Tank of
Fond du Lac, Brian (Chelsea Siwik) Kemp of Madison, and Amy Kemp of Fond du Lac. John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and June Ackerman of Oshkosh, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joan and Glen "Red" Kemp.
According to John's wishes he wanted to express his gratitude to the all the magnificent people that helped him and his family during his recent journey and was humbled by their unconditional support. Also, John's family would like to thank the many wonderful health care professionals that treated John during his fight, in particular, Dr. Wade Mueller and Dr. Connelly, Froedert Hospital, Agnesian Cancer Center and Dr. Troicki's staff, the Agnesian TCU unit, and Aurora Hospice, especially Ashley, Amanda, and Tammy.
John loved the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and the Milwaukee Brewers. His family invites you to join them in wearing your favorite athletic apparel in celebrating his life at Saint Jude the Apostle Parish, St. Vincent Catholic Church, 1225 Oregon Street, on Friday, December 19th with visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 p.m., celebrated by Reverend William Van De Kreeke.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity that helps fight cancer, or a gift can be made to John's Journey.