Carolyn L. Ackermann Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Carolyn Lee Ackermann was born January 29, 1948 to Armin L. Ackermann and Geraldine Scheierman Ackermann in Geneva, NE. Carolyn passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Fillmore County Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Carolyn was baptized and confirmed at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva. She graduated from Geneva High School in the class of 1966. Carolyn continued her education at Joseph’s College of Beauty in Lincoln, NE and became a licensed cosmetologist. This would remain her lifelong career. Carolyn moved to Scottsbluff, NE to open and teach at a new location for Joseph’s College of Beauty. She remained in the area for several years before returning to Lincoln. Upon her return to Lincoln, Carolyn continued to work and teach for Joseph’s College of Beauty. She then worked for Mr. Don’s. During her years in Lincoln, Carolyn became active in the Nebraska Cosmetology Association. She held a variety of offices, participated in competitions and traveled across the country to many conventions. Carolyn rose through the ranks of the organization and served a term as President for the State of Nebraska. Carolyn then returned to Geneva to be close to her parents. Carolyn continued her career at Guys and Gals Hair Styling Salon. Carolyn also served on the Nebraska Board of Cosmetology Examiners and was a board member from 1986 to 1994. Carolyn was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1982 she joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars through the Samuel J. Marsh Post 7102 under the eligibility of her father, Armin. He was a veteran of WWII and served in North Africa. Carolyn found a home and a mission she loved in this organization. She was installed as the Department of Nebraska President in the summer of 2011. In Carolyn’s own words, “It has been a rocky and uphill road the past three years, but now I feel so honored and blessed to be serving as your Department President for 2011-2012.” Despite her health issues she met the demands of the office. She lived her presidential theme, “Communication is the Key – Listen to Our Veterans’ Needs”. Her schedule was filled with travel and meeting people. She celebrated her homecoming to Post 7102 in October. She was feeling positive and looking forward her trip of a lifetime to Hawaii in 2012. Carolyn was recently recognized by the Fillmore County Chapter of the American Cancer Society in appreciation for 14 years of dedicated volunteer service. Carolyn chaired the Relay for Life for eight years. She was also the captain of her own Relay for Life team. Her involvement also included advocacy work with the Look Good Feel Better program. She was a program expert and shared her knowledge with other volunteers. Carolyn, as a three time cancer survivor, made her a very special volunteer. She is a forever friend of the Fillmore County American Cancer Society and The Relay for Life. Carolyn was also a civic leader and cared deeply for the community where she was born and raised. She gave back to Geneva by running for and being elected to the Geneva City Council on December 6, 2004. She was reelected and was serving her second term. She served her community for seven years as a Council member. Carolyn was known for speaking her mind and for her no nonsense approach to city government. Her passion for her hometown ran deep. Carolyn also was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ. She shared her talents as a member of the choir for many years. She also played an integral role in their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. She organized, cooked, served and did everything possible to make this event a success year after year. Carolyn was a devoted daughter, a loved family member, a loyal friend, a committed volunteer and civic leader. Her sense of humor brought laughter to everyone in her life. The last years of her life brought out her fierce fighting spirit. She courageously battled cancer and fought with hope and dignity. Carolyn is survived by her mother, Gerry Ackermann of Geneva, her uncle Kenneth Ackermann of Lincoln, many cousins and countless friends and admirers. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Work as if it was your first day. Forgive as soon as possible. Love without boundaries. Laugh without control and never stop smiling. Please pray for those suffering from cancer. Services for Carolyn were held on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor William Switzer officiating. Nancy Cradduck accompanied the congregation in the singing of “How Great Thou Art” and the “The Old Rugged Cross.” Special music “Eternal Praise” was performed by the Church Choir. Pallbearers for the service included Rod Norrie, Eric Williams, Dick Kohler, Bob Kohler, Allen Stuckey, and Harold Janda. Honorary bearers were Bruce Trautman and Sam Ackermann. Interment was held in the Sutton Cemetery. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorials are directed to the Geneva VFW Legion Auxiliary, Sutton American Legion, and the First Congregational United Church Of Christ.

Tributes

Carolyn L. Ackermann

January 29, 1948 - December 13, 2011