Gary Ackerman, 82, Eureka, SD, died Monday, October 26, 2026 at the Sanford Bismarck Medical Center, Bismarck, ND. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Friday, October 30, 2026 at Zion American Lutheran Church, Eureka, led by Pastor Ryan Gage. Interment follows at the Church Cemetery. Organist will be Ronda Lapp; Congregational Hymns will be “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”, “What a Friend we have in Jesus”, and “Abide with Me”; and ushers will be Jim Schumacher and Glenn Ekern.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday at Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.

Gary David Ackerman, son of Rose (Pfeiffer) and Reinhard Ackerman, was born May 23, 1944 at the Eureka Hospital. The Ackerman’s lived in Mound City, SD until they relocated to Eureka in 1950. Gary attended Eureka Public School, graduating with the EHS Class of 1964. Gary married Merrill Musson at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brookings, SD on March 15, 1968. Following his high school graduation, Gary began a long custodial career at the Eureka School. Over time Gary earned his boiler operation certification, as well as electrical and plumbing credentials. These aided him during his time as custodian. In recognition of his skills, Gary served as the South Dakota Custodian Association chairman for 10 years. He retired in 2009 after 43 years as the Eureka School Chief Custodian. As a sideline job, Gary founded Ackerman Service, which provided electrical and plumbing help in the area. He was active in this venture for the rest of his life. Gary was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church which he served as president and a long-time council member. Gary enjoyed collecting antiques, such as old phones. His grandchildren and great grandsons were tremendous sources of pride to Gary and he loved providing for them.

Gary’s funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.

Gary is survived by Merrill, his wife of 58 years; one son, David (Staci) Ackerman of Eureka; one brother, James (Alice) Ackerman of W. Fargo, ND; two sisters, Glorine Faye Fauth of W. Fargo and Linda Lee Ackerman of Eureka; two grandchildren, Logan (Julia) and Brenna (Logan) ; and three great grandsons—Arlo Ackerman, and Landon and Carson Mielke.

He was preceded in death by his father, Reinhard, on December 31, 1952; his mother, Rose, on March 12, 1992; and one brother, Darvin, on January 8, 2022.

Casketbearers will be Grandson, Logan Ackerman of Sioux Falls, SD; grandson-in-law, Logan Mielke of Mina, SD; Nephew, Rick Ackerman of Victoria, MN; and friends Clyde Ottenbacher, Mark Opp, and Richard Vetch of Eureka.

Services are in care of Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.