Obituary of William Dietrich Ackman

William Dietrich Ackman, age 82, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on Sunday, October 5th, 2014 at Fort Health Care. Bill was born at home in Crystal Lake, Illinois on September 6, 1932, the son of Elmer Henry and Florence (Dietrich) Ackman. Despite being only six years old Bill had ambitions to join 4-H and purchase his first pure-bred Holstein heifer calf, to care for and show. During his youth, he was a dedicated member of 4-H, FFA, Rural Youth, fellowship club through church, Holstein judging team, and King of McHenry County Fair. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1954 and served until February 1956 working as a specialist with the army engineers. While stationed in England he met the love of his life, Miss Joyce Turner of Essex, England. He received honorable discharge from the armed forces. Soon after, he enrolled in vocational agricultural courses while beginning farming in Crystal Lake, Illinois and awaited the arrival of his future bride. Joyce sailed across the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth, arriving to New York on March 1st, 1956. They were united in marriage and made their lifetime vows March 17th, 1956 at the First Congregational Church of Christ in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Later, Bill and Joyce purchased their first farm located on Star School Road in Fort Atkinson naming it Will-O-Joy in 1960. He farmed for many years breeding Registered Holsteins then Aberdeen Angus. Upon retiring from milking Holsteins he began working at Nasco. Bill worked his way up to become the Warehouse Supervisor. Had it not been for his misfortune in developing Parkinson Disease he would probably still be bustling around the Nasco warehouse today. As a young adult, Bill was an active member of AMPI, the Holstein Association, Fort Rural Life, and Fort Atkinson Band Boosters. Even with all the challenges of Parkinson�s Bill was determined to continue doing the things he enjoyed. Bill especially loved family gatherings, holidays, playing board games and cards. He took pleasure in being outdoors, gardening, bird watching, fishing, and maintaining the home. His other hobbies included volunteering at the Humane Society, being involved in the Whitewater Parkinson support group, watching the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers, reading, participating on dartball, horseshoe, and bowling teams. Bill was always willing and liked to try new things, hence picking up the game of golf after retiring from farming. He enjoyed many hours at Spring Creek with his golfing buddies. His most treasured memories on the course were with his grandson, Nathan Gilbert, who he inspired to start playing the game and has been hitting that little white ball around ever since. To all those who knew Bill he will be remembered for his work ethic, sense of humor, quick wit, and how he lived by the Golden Rule. He fought long and hard never giving up his battle against Parkinson�s that silently took his life for the last 25 years. Bill is survived by his Wife of 58 years and caregiver of late: Joyce Ackman, Fort Atkinson, His Children: Philip (Mary) Ackman, Huntington Beach , CA, Sandra Gilbert, Fort Atkinson, and Dale (Alicia) Ackman, Brunswick, GA, Grandchildren: Kevin and Kathryn Ackman, Huntington Beach, CA, Nathan Gilbert, Fort Atkinson, and Molly and Jake Ackman, Brunswick, GA, Sister: Patricia Wauchope, Laguna Woods, CA, Nephew: Jack(Stacey) Wauchope, Charlotte, NC, Brother and Sisters-in-Law: Queenie, John, Beaty, and Eric, England, and Brothers-in-Law: Derek and Gordon, Australia. Bill was preceded in death by his parents: Elmer and Florence Ackman, and his father and mother-in-law: Robert and Ethel Turner (England) and Victor and Leslie Turner (England). So Bill, Billy, Dad, and Grandpa we will always honor your wish to remember all the good times which are many. You will be missed by many, but never forgotten. We know you have not left and are watching over us. Our love for you is sealed in our hearts forever. Until we meet again take care and God bless. Per Bill and Joyce�s wishes there will be a family gathering at a later date. Special thanks to the Health Care providers at Fort Health Care, the Emergency Room and ICU staff. Those wishing to express sympathy may make a memorial in his name to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association, Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson, or to Jefferson County 4-H. Bill will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery. The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, WI is assisting the family.