Patricia Elaine Ackerman

Patricia Elaine Ackerman of Sabula, Iowa passed away on August 27, 2023 at the age of 90. Our mom, grandma, aunt, sister and friend...she was the sweetest, most loving and giving woman. She left this world with her family by her side, surrounded by more love than a room could handle.

Patricia (Pat) was born in her family home in Sabula, Iowa on September 3, 1932 to Winifred and Milton Vicks. Pat was one of five children, her siblings are Terry (Vicki) Vicks of Clinton, IA, Jo Burns of Marion, IA, Joel Vicks of Ranson, WV and the late Jim Vicks of Sabula, IA.

Pat graduated from the Sabula High School where she played basketball (not too long ago she could still dribble and shoot hoops as she showed us). Soon after high school, she met Tom Ackerman of Sabula, IA and they married on January 26, 1952. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage, before Tom's passing in 2006. Pat and Tom raised six children, Julie (Ron) Draise of Chillicothe, OH, Janet (Mike) Cotton of Sabula, IA, the late Joy Ackerman of Sabula, IA, Tim (Fran) Ackerman of San Diego, CA, David Ackerman of Sabula, IA and Jon (Karen) Ackerman of Clinton, IA.

In 1975, Pat and Tom owned and operated Ackerman's Grocery in Sabula, IA for 20 years. Pat's primary role was as a homemaker, to which she loved.

After raising her children while tending the store, "Gram Pat" played the utmost important role in helping her grandkids grow up. She leaves behind her legacy to those that made her most delighted, her grandchildren, Bridget and Ryan, Camille, and her namesake Lauren Patricia Kilburg, Doug, Rebecca, and Nathan Sandholdt. Cari, Matt, and Leah Gallagher, Jennifer, Danny, Rosalynn and Dimitri Stameski, Rachel and Steven Cotton, Mary Ackerman, and Dee Ann and Elivia Stout.

In a beautiful, loving, strong, and supportive way, Pat became the foundation to many who surrounded her. There were very few times one of her family wasn't visiting, baking for her, playing bingo with her, shopping or dining with her. She taught many of us the true meaning of strength, kindness, respect, manners, and faith. Pat was an angel here on earth.

To honor Pat's life, a visitation will be held at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Savanna, IL on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 4 to 7 pm and a funeral at the same location, Friday, September 1st, 2023 at 10am. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Sabula, IA.

Pat is preceded in death by her husband Tom, her daughter Joy, her parents, brother Jim Vicks, sister-in-laws Shirley Vicks, Tori Vicks and Peg Huebner, brother-in-law Jim Burns, a granddaughter Jill, and very special nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be: Marc Burns, Bob Burns, Steven Cotton, Eric Ackerman, Bentley Huebner, Barry Huebner, Nathan Sandholdt and Jim Vicks. Honorary pallbearer is Doug Sandholdt.

Pat's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our family and friends for what they did every single day, her fabulous doctors, their nurses and staff, the Mercy One Hospice team and everyone who contributed to her long beautiful life.

Memorials can be made to the Sabula Ambulance Association, Sabula, IA.