Ellen Akkerman
May 17, 2020
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Service Details
Ellen Marie Akkerman
Des Moines
Ellen Akkerman (nee Ellen Marie Bak Christensen), 89, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020. At that time, a private family service was held graveside due to Covid restrictions. A Celebration of Life was set for late July, but Covid-19 is still a factor that is currently affecting some family members. With sadness, services have been cancelled.
Ellen was born March 1, 1931, in Adair, Iowa to Lars and Anna Bak. Ellen was married to Wayne Edward Akkerman from 1953 until his passing in 1994. Together they raised four children. Ellen is survived by Ann (Dennis) Snowgren, Jo (Theodore) Sporer, Amy (Matt) Dawley and Eric Wayne Akkerman. She was blessed with eight grandchildren: Jacob, Bradley and Benjamin Snowgren; Jordan (Sammy) Hill; Meredith (Chris) Tillinghast; Kyle and Sawyer Dawley; and Allison Akkerman. Ellen enjoyed the blessings of three great-grandchildren — Adalyn and Kayley Snowgren and Henry Hill. Ellen is also survived by her brother Borge Bak of Spirit Lake, Iowa and sister Doris Rose of Savannah, Missouri, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ellen and Wayne were partners in life and business. They worked together in their bowling establishments in Spirit Lake and Webster City and eventually in Wayne’s real estate agency in Des Moines. Ellen was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. With her free time, she enjoyed her kids and grands, bingo, Prairie Meadows, Hallmark movies, Facebook and Words with Friends. When she was more physically able, she enjoyed traveling and bowling. She also enjoyed listening and dancing to live music and a night out on the South Side, particularly at All In The Family Lounge. Her friend Jan was her daily breakfast companion.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to SouthSide Cares, 802 E. Granger Avenue, Des Moines, 50315. Donations are tax deductible 501(C) 26-4051099. Please include “In memory of Ellen Akkerman” in the payment memo line. Our family thanks the team at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home for their assistance and flexibility during these uncertain times to gather and grieve.
Cindy Carlson
06/19/2020
My sympathy to all of you. I worked with Ellen for a couple years as her realtor, listing all her rental properties many years ago. We shared many laughs and it was a pleasure to work with her. I just heard that she passed. Sorry for your loss.
Henry & Linda Rivas
05/24/2020
We knew Ellen from "All in the Family" days and breakfast at Hy-Vee. Our sincere sympathy to everyone in your family for your loss.
Marcella and Donald Betts
05/24/2020
We are very sorry about the passing of your mother. We knew her from Bingo on the southside of Des Moines and she was always a very kind and smiling when we visited with her. I know she will be missed
by all her friends at bingo and especially her family.
Mildred Lawrence Rosendahl Oleson
05/24/2020
So sorry for your loss. I used to babysit her children when they lived in Webster City Iowa And owned the bowling ally and lived on East Curve Drive. She was a hard working lady and a good Mom. R.I.P.
Julie Akkerman
05/22/2020
Eric, there was never a mother who loved their son more. She will be missed.
Ken Horner
05/21/2020
Iam a long time member of Good Sheperd I new her and she was always a very kind person our faith community will miss her.
Kevin Green
05/20/2020
Eric & Family , sending Prayers & Love during this difficult time. Your Mom was a very special lady for sure. Always smiling & always happy to see you & visit with you as well. She did love her family dearly as she spoke often about you all.