Helen R. Ackerman

Helen R. Ackerman, age 79, of Lancaster, formerly of Beetown, died on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at her home in Lancaster surrounded by her children. She was born on a farm on December 15, 1928, in Potosi Township, the daughter of Ora and Nellie (Allbee) Caley. On April 30, 1947, Helen was united in marriage to Leonard Ackerman at the Congregational Church in Lancaster. After their marriage, the couple moved to the Ackerman farm near Beetown, where they farmed for 51 years. Helen loved to make quilts and play cards and she also enjoyed gardening and canning. She was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need.

Survivors include her nine children: David (Sharon) Ackerman, Lena, IL; Sandra (Ralph) Fingerson, Wisconsin Dells; Kenneth (friend Marilyn) Ackerman, Belvidere, IL; Pamela (friend Bill) Kirschbaum, Beetown; Dale (friend Deb) Ackerman, Blanchardville; Rick (Kim) Ackerman, Blue Mounds; Betty (Mike) Hughes, Ridgeway; Dawn (Brian) Vogt, Glen Haven; and William (Sharon) Ackerman, Beetown; 29 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Donald Caley, Lancaster; Alfred Caley, Beetown; Clifford (Mary Lu) Caley, Arthur; and Laverne Caley, Ellenboro; three sisters-in-law: Rose Caley, and Viola Caley, both of Bloomington; and Eula Mae Caley, Beetown; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard, on June 15, 1999; a son, Joseph; three brothers, Melvin, Lawrence, and Glen Caley; and two sisters-in-law, Charlotte Caley and Shirley Caley.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 28, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with Rev. Pam Strakeljahn officiating. Burial was in Beetown Cemetery, Beetown. Friends called on Sunday, April 27, 2008, from 3:00 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services Monday morning.