Robert Ackman

Robert Ackman


Dates

August 23, 1951 - July 11, 2025

Obituary

Robert “Bob” Ackman, 73, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Visitation will be Monday, July 21, from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian at a later date.

Robert Dale Ackman was born August 23, 1951, to Ronald and Shirley (Struckman) Ackman. His nickname from an early age was “Boomer”. Boomer graduated from Mitchell High School in 1970, receiving numerous athletic awards while in high school. As an adult, he earned awards in amateur 16” softball State & National, and amateur baseball.  Stories are shared on how a ball has never been hit as far as the Ackman boys could - Just ask Bozo.

Bob and his wife, Mary McKillop, celebrated 41 years of marriage, uniting on November 25, 1983.

Bob worked as a maintenance mechanic and short time as an addiction counselor.

Bob loved the outdoors, creating memories with family and friends during the hunting, and fishing trips taken.  It didn’t matter if it was big game, small game, or target practice, he was with those he cherished, it was all about the memories, rather than the kill.  Often the truck, trailer, or stringer would come home empty.  His favorite fishing spot was the captain’s chair on his boat, saying “The walleye choppers are coming, the bite is going to start” as 3 foot swells are getting bigger all over the mighty Mo.  He also enjoyed panfishing Lake Mitchell, or trying to catch some whiskers out of the James River.  The grands were taught to fish by Papa, yet they cringed when he offered to take them fishing in the boat, as it seldom ran smoothly.

Bob had many passions but none more than his children and grands. The 4th of July was always one of Bob’s favorites; the whole family would gather in Letcher and have lots of great food, loud fireworks, sharing and making memories. He immensely enjoyed the time he spent coaching football and baseball, creating love of the game in area youth. Sports, woodworking, chocolate doughnuts, mentoring youth, and potlucks also rated high in Bob favorites.

The grands will always remember him as the best pancake flipper, bear hugger, whisker burner, cheerleader, ear puller, and prankster ever! They enjoyed his coffee - smidge of coffee and lots of milk and sugar.

Even as his health diminished, his knowledge of  “Old School” mechanics, sport fundamentals, fishing, and life were often sought. The friends he created working with addicts admired his “gruff” compassion. “Be honest!!  You’re never going to do anything, I haven’t already done!” was his favorite advice to give.

Anyone that ever met Bob, knew he had a heart of gold, and would help anyone out - no questions asked. He was a natural athlete and a wonderful mentor and coach. He was always the calm in any storm.  He’s soaring with the eagles now, but will be greatly missed by those he left behind.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Paul, Jeremy (son of Diana) and wife Nikole, Jerid (son of Becky) and wife Kristy; daughter, Randa (daughter of Becky) and husband Aaron Bickett; 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Roxie and Debbie.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ashley Ackman; parents, Ron and Shirley; brothers, Scott and Robin; sister-in-law, Joyce; and cords of loved ones.


Visitation(s)

Date
Monday, July 21, 2025
Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
6:30 PM Prayer Service

Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301


Cemetery

Mt. Pleasant Cemetery
Artesian, SD


Posted by Lanette (Kapsch) Wolsleben on July 29, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a kind, considerate person. Remember him well from school. My heart felt prayers and thoughts to family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Kelly Hills on July 21, 2025
Mary, Deb, Roxie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy. Peace be with you all.
Posted by Ruth Reif on July 21, 2025
Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and sympathy to all of you.
Posted by Tama Backlund on July 21, 2025
I am sorry for your loss Mary, Deb and Roxie.
Posted by Dennis Lucid on July 18, 2025
Mary and family, Kay and I extend our spmpathy. God bless
Posted by Karis Manning on July 18, 2025
Mary & family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of ur sweet kind Bob sending my deepest sympathies to you all in this time of griefโ€ฆ.Big hugs Mary I think of u always
Karis
Posted by Connie Minder on July 18, 2025
Mary, Paul, Iris and Leo: Iโ€™m sorry to hear of Bobโ€™s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Bob Rest in Peace. Sending you all my love and prayers.
Posted by Corine and Jim Stach on July 18, 2025
Our deepest condolences at your loss of Bob,Mary. Our hearts and prayers are with you and the family.
Posted by Dan Farley on July 17, 2025
Randa, Jerid and family so sorry for your loss.
Dan
Posted by Clydine Jones on July 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Posted by Roberta Davidson on July 16, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Posted by Jeannette Knigge on July 16, 2025
Oh Mary! I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family.. May God give you strength.
Posted by Beau mackey on July 16, 2025
Condolences to all of the family, may Bob rest in peace.
Posted by Myrtle Robinson on July 16, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Mary, Roxie, Debbie my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by Randy Stotz on July 16, 2025
Mary and family, our deepest condolences to you. I had the pleasure playing softball with "BOOMER". He guarded 3rd base with not much getting by him. I had the unfortunate job of catching the missiles on 1st! RIP my friend and I'll see you again! God Bless!
Posted by Roger & Cheryl Schmit on July 16, 2025
Mary & Family- so sorry to hear about Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Hugs to you! God bless you and your family! ๐Ÿ™โค๏ธ
Posted by Roger & Cheryl Schmit on July 16, 2025
Mary & Family- so sorry to hear about Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Hugs to you! God bless you and your family! ๐Ÿ™โค๏ธ
Posted by Deb Ogle on July 16, 2025
Lots of prayers and hugs for your family. Let the memories give you comfort and peace.
Posted by Crystal Allen on July 16, 2025
So sorry for your loss, many hugs sent to you Mary and to your whole family from both Ciara and me.
Posted by Crystal Allen on July 16, 2025
So sorry for your loss, many hugs sent to you Mary and to your whole family from both Ciara and me.
Posted by ronald fuchs on July 16, 2025
thank you for your helping me along - years ago
Posted by Cheri DeSchepper Oleske on July 16, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. Keep him with you always in your wonderful memories. Hugs!
Posted by Bruce Fritzemeier on July 15, 2025
Bob will be missed and his enjoyment of sports.
Posted by Becky Kurtenbach on July 15, 2025
We are so sorry for your lossโ€ฆ
Posted by Diane Royalty on July 15, 2025
My sympathy and prayers to all of Bob's family.
Posted by Sandi Young on July 15, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the Ackman family. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Hollie Karber on July 15, 2025
So very sorry for your loss!
Posted by Dan and Connie muller on July 15, 2025
Prayers sent to you Mary and the family,take care
Posted by Duane wagner on July 15, 2025
Sorry to see this gentle giant leave us. Lots of good memories with Bob and his family. God bless you all.
Posted by Felicia Ruff on July 14, 2025
BOB was the most sweetest kind hearted Man. It was always Great seeing him when at work.. He loved his coffee that's for sure. Rest easy my friend, my condolences to the Family.
Posted by Gary kristesen on July 14, 2025
Played baseball against Bob and Robin. Both were great baseball players and great friends. You and Robin are now back together. Rest in peace
Posted by Vilas and Jane Schoenfelder on July 14, 2025
Bob was one of the good guys, way back when we used to shoot archery above the police station in the armory he and his son were loyal participants, we all really enjoyed Bob, many condolences to the family as he will surely be missed!
Posted by Dennis Marek on July 14, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ackman family at this sad time. Bob was a old friend and we played a lot of baseball together and he was real good. God bless the Ackman family and rest in peace Bob.
Posted by Barb Ewing on July 14, 2025
Mary and family, I am sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
Posted by Dianna Senska on July 14, 2025
So sorry for your loss..May the Lord Comfort you in the days ahead
Posted by Lila Eilts on July 14, 2025
Sympathies to all of Bobโ€™s family.
Posted by Michael, Laura & Lenix on July 14, 2025
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers to Randa, Aaron and the entire family. God Bless.
Posted by Robbi Audrea Buller on July 14, 2025
Thoughts and prayers to Bobs family, You have our sincerest condolences.
Posted by Tim & Shanna Moke on July 13, 2025
Randa, Aaron, and Ackman family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Posted by Scott Gaulke on July 13, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Posted by Ron Larsen on July 12, 2025
My Freind Bob Ackman RIP and sorry for your loss Mary,Jaried,Paul and rest of the family.
Posted by Ernie & Debra Hohn on July 12, 2025
Our sincere sympathies to the Ackman family
Posted by Jeniffer Nurnberg on July 12, 2025
My condolences to the family! It was a pleasure getting to know him and being able to take care of him! He was a good friend!
Posted by Dennis Klein on July 12, 2025
One of the best people I have ever known and I have known quite a few. RIP BIG FELLA.
Posted by Curt Talley on July 12, 2025
So sorry for your loss Curt & Laurel
Posted by Van Wire on July 12, 2025
Mary, Roxy and Deb. So sorry for you loss. Bob was a great guy and a good neighbor. You all are in our prayers.
Posted by Gary and Mary Stadlman on July 12, 2025
Roxie and Ackman Family, we are very sorry to hear of the loss of Bob, we pray God keeps you n His care. Rest in Peace Bob
Posted by Mark Harrington on July 12, 2025
Prayers to the entire family at this time ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™
Posted by Ronald Bick on July 12, 2025
Mary sorry to hear of your loss prayers to you and your family. Bob was a great guy he'll be missed by many he is resting better with Jesus
Posted by Wanda Kobes on July 12, 2025
So sorry to all of you for this very sad loss !! Bob was a great guy to many people blessed to know him !!! He will always be with everyone in memories!!
Posted by Doug & Rita Trebil on July 12, 2025
Mary So sorry for your loss.
Posted by Roger and Leana Stunes on July 12, 2025
Mary and family we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs!
Posted by Sandi an Ron Ruml on July 12, 2025
Mary and kids. Ron will miss his visits ith Bob and you. Our sympathy to your whole family. He was a good guy.
Posted by Conni Scheetz Ziegenbein on July 12, 2025
My deepest sympathy to the entire Ackman family. I had the opportunity to play pool with Bob years and years ago. What a good guy!
Posted by Marina Scott on July 12, 2025
Bob was an amazing and sweet guy! I was very lucky to get to know him. I will never forget the "Hey Blondie" when coming back from dialysis. He will be so greatly missed.
Posted by Deb Tilton on July 12, 2025
My deepest prayers and sympathies to the Ackman family.
Posted by Scott and Lynn Yahne on July 12, 2025
I saw Bob boxing many years ago. He was a fighter and a good person! RIP Bob! Prayers to all of his family.
Posted by Wes and Sherry Pierson on July 12, 2025
Bob will be missed. He was a friend for many years.
Posted by Ariel Anderson on July 12, 2025
Many thoughts and prayers with the Ackman family. Always loved seeing Bob!
Posted by Ted and Pat Nelson on July 11, 2025
Our sincere sympathy to Mary and thr whole family. Love and prayers
Posted by Joe Maunders on July 11, 2025
Bob was a great guy, had the privilege to play baseball with Bob and Robin for many years with Robin. Bob could knock them out of the park, as could Robin. Both two awesomevhuman beings. ๐Ÿ™ ๐Ÿ™ for the Family, ๐Ÿ™ God wraps His Loving arms around you all and ring you all comfort and Peace during this difficult time. Rip Peace Bob and Welcome to Your Heavenly Home.
Posted by Nadine Sparkman on July 11, 2025
Sorry for your loss.
Posted by Connie Farris on July 11, 2025
You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by Coly Blake on July 11, 2025
Mary, so sorry for your loss.. hugs
Posted by Nancy Kelly on July 11, 2025
Hugs & prayers Mary & family!!
Posted by Tom Gates on July 11, 2025
So sorry to hear this...Bob was one of the best .
Posted by Michelle Ruff on July 11, 2025
Bob was a such nice person I LOVED TO PICK ON HIM AND HE WASNT AFRAID TO DISH IT RIGHT BACK..๐Ÿ˜ HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED! RIP BABE! MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY
Posted by Carol Amick on July 11, 2025
Our condolences go out to the Ackman family. Have peace knowing that Bob is resting in the arms of Jesus!
Posted by Mark and Angela Seitz on July 11, 2025
We are so sorry Mary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Posted by Curtis and Liz Parce on July 11, 2025
So sorry to hear of Bobโ€™s passing. Hugs to you all!
Posted by Jackie Christiansen (Clark) on July 11, 2025
Rest in Jesus' arms Bob! Deepest Condolences to all of the family and friends. BOB WAS GOOD PEOPLE!!!
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