Mrs. Arlene M. Ackerman's Obituary
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 will be on Friday, October 4, from 5:30–8 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 213 Oak Street, Fruitport, MI 49415. A memorial service will be 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.
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