SPEARVILLE - Gilbert "Gil" Ackerman, 74, died Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Reflection Living, Dodge City after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers.

He was born February 5, 1945 at Dodge City, the son of Charles C. and Elizabeth Mary (Schawe) Ackerman.  He was a graduate of Windthorst High School and received his Bachelors in Business Administration from St. Mary of the Plains College.  He served in the Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973. He was a lifetime farmer and cattleman and also worked for the Right Co-op Fuel Services.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and attending his grandkids activities and also was known as a very avid K-State fan.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Spearville as well as a member of Windthorst Knights of Columbus Council 2462 and Spearville Council 1539.

On November 30, 1968 he married Sandy Lutz at St. John Church in Spearville.

Survivors include: his wife of 50 years, Sandy; their 3 children, Scott Ackerman and wife Heidy, Spearville, Kelly Kohlmeier, Lubbock, Texas and Cory Ackerman, Spearville; 7 grandchildren, Kyler Ackerman, Tess Ackerman, Emma Ackerman, Faith Ackerman, Cheyenne Ackerman, Hallie Ackerman and Calder Ackerman; 4 sisters, Catherine Brungardt, Garden City, Alice Craig and husband Larry, Lubbock, Erma Schneweis and husband Bob, Dodge City and Martha Strecker and husband Rich, Dodge City; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful companions, Minnie and Duke.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Dana Ackerman and his son-in-law, Richard "Homie" Kohlmeier.

Vigil service will be 7:00 pm Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Windthorst, with Fr. John Forkuoh presiding.  Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Windthorst.  Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimers Association-Western Chapter or Windthorst Heritage, Inc. both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.