Coleen Mary Ackerman, 77

Coleen Mary Ackerman, age 77, of Shell Rock, Iowa, was born the daughter of Richard and Mary (Harrington) Babcock on July 16, 1946, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She received her education and graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1964.

On June 6, 1964, Coleen was united in marriage with Merlin Gene Ackerman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. The couple made their home in rural Greene, Iowa, near Packard. Through the years Coleen worked at Waverly Sales in the kitchen and later at the Clarksville Care Center as a dietitian before retiring after many years. Merlin passed away on October 17, 2002, and Coleen moved to her current home in Shell Rock shortly after.

In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, camping, gardening, and watching her son’s wrestling matches. She was their biggest fan and was always the most vocal at every match. Most of all, Coleen enjoyed the time spent with her entire family. 

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Coleen passed away at Waverly Health Center in Waverly, of natural causes. She is preceded in death by her husband, Merlin Ackerman; a daughter and son in infancy, Denise and Joeseph; her parents; two brothers, Robert and James Babcock; and grandson, Hunter Ackerman.

Coleen is survived by three sons, Gene (Karen) Ackerman of Clarksville, Jerry (Jill) Ackerman of Marion, IA, and Jason Ackerman of Ankeny, IA; 9 grandchildren, Cody Ackerman, Tyler Ackerman, Tanner (Kelsey) Ackerman, Brandon (Ashlyn) Ackerman, Bryce Ackerman (fiancé Shelby Jones), Serena Johnson, Brianne (Charlie) Ceballos, Taylor Ackerman (fiancé Aaron Kowalsky), Brock Hanna, Brandon (Laura) Johnson, and Drew Johnson; 8 great-grandchildren, Piper, Rocky, Rosalia, Alexis, Cambria, (with one on the way), and Aleah, Abbie, and Austin.; and brother, Mike (Christine) Babcock of Houston, TX.  

Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m., on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Clarksville, with Rev. Val Swinton officiating.  Casketbearers were Brandon Ackerman. Bryce Ackerman, Tyler Ackerman, Tanner Ackerman, Brock Hanna and Charlie Ceballos.  A private graveside service was held at Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville.

Visitation was from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Monday, at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Clarksville Funeral Home.  Memorials may be directed to the family.   Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com