April Ackelson
June 18, 2020
On Thursday, June 18th, surrounded at home by her family and friends, April Linn (Bunnie) Ackelson gave her daddy an early Father’s Day present and joined him in Heaven.
Everyone whose life April touched knew she was three things—she was real, she was comfortable, and she was kind. No matter your story, your appearance, or your background, if you were a good person who would not harm her family or friends, you were accepted and welcomed by April. Blood relative or not, near or far, if she took a liking to you, you became family. April always had a fun story to tell or a hug to offer. She had a calmness about her that always made you feel as though everything was going to be alright and her smile was infectious. She never forgot the “little details” to make you feel special like your birthday, favorite food, or favorite color. She was truly a genuine person, radiating love and warmth, and she will be missed by many.
April was born in Des Moines on February 2nd, 1968 to Larry James Phillips and Linda Lou Phillips. She graduated from Urbandale High School and then married George, the love of her life in November of 1987. April and George had two children, Andrew James “A.J.” (Kaylee) Phillips Ackelson and Chelsea Shay (Troy) McDaniel. As their kids grew, so did their family because they considered A.J. and Chelsea’s friends their own. You could always find their house full of teen-agers who all called them mom and dad. April also “raised” several puppies and considered all her animals her babies.
After raising her children, April became the bar manager at Amvets Post 2 where she worked for the rest of her life. The regulars at the club became her 2nd family and it never took visitors to the club long to know who “Bunnie” was and to fall in love with her.
April was blessed with 4 grandchildren, Conner, Carson, John and Haelynn.
April is preceded in death by her dad, Larry James Phillips, grandparents Ben and Ida Phillips, grandparents Dennis and Ellen Diller, and stepfather George Sydnes.
April leaves behind her husband George, her children and grandchildren, her mother Linda (Delbert) Strickland, her bonus mom Mary (Larry) Phillips, her sisters Jeanne (Scott) Leonard and Trinda (Brian) Smith. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many, many beloved friends.
April touched numerous lives and she will be missed dearly.
April’s family and friends will be celebrating her life on Tuesday, June 23rd from 4-8 pm at Amvets Post2, 2818 5th Ave, Des Moines. Feel free to stop by to share you favorite memory of April and enjoy a bite to eat.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to Amvets Post 2 or Unity Point Hospice.
DEBRA JOHNSON
06/23/2020
That truly was a beautifully written obituary. She was so loving and kind to everyone, and loved her grandbabies and her animals! She was funny too. I couldn't wait until the club reopened because I missed her so much, but on my first day back was told of her illness and how it had progressed so quickly. I miss you so much Bunnie. Our thoughts are with George and the kids, what a great loss, but cherish those memories forever. Every
time I left the club she said "say hi to my ex husband" Only George will get that joke, but I will always remember that and many more things as well. Keep that bar stocked in heaven, Bunnie, we will see you again.
Becky Boston
06/20/2020
This breaks my heart to read this. You were the kindest person, with a BIG heart. You were my personal attendate at my wedding, you made sure it was perfect. I loved working with you at Cigna. Gone too soon but never forgotten.
Jeanette
06/20/2020
Beautifull written message????
Love to George and family ...AND .....
To all of those who knew and LOVED Bunnie??????
Tom and Connie Leonard
06/20/2020
The obituary message is truly beautiful. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Aprils family.
Nancy
06/20/2020
That was absolutely a beautiful obituary, and it describes April and her life completely! April will forever be Loved and Missed by many.
Garla/peaches
06/20/2020
My dear George I'm so sorry for your loss you and April were truly beautiful people that I always loved and deeply respected may she fly high with the angels. RIH MY DEAR APRIL.