Connie J. Ackerman

Connie J. Ackerman, 76, of Marysville, Kan., passed away on July 29, 2023, at Cambridge Place in Marysville, surrounded by her family.

Family and friends were invited to celebrate Connie at a visitation on Thursday, August 3, from 1-9 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. The family received friends from 5-7 p.m.

A funeral service followed on Friday, August 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Marysville. Rev. Marilyn Sweet and Adam Borgman officiated. Music included "Because You Loved Me", "Ave Maria" and "Circle of Life." Ron Schwindamann, a close family friend, was the pallbearer.

Burial took place at the Marysville City Cemetery.

Connie was born on July 17, 1947, in Marysville, daughter of Raleigh N. and Donna M. (Isaac) Breeding. She graduated from Marysville High School in 1965 and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Kansas, in Lawrence. She remained an avid KU fan throughout her life.

She excelled as a single mom, raising her three boys into good, hard-working, caring men. Those boys were her life. After they married and had children, Connie flourished in her new role. She was as devoted to her daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and grand dogs as she was to her sons. Connie was always seen cheering the kids on at sporting events, art shows, music concerts, and anything else they were involved in. She baked cookies, made fudge, and played chauffeur whenever she was asked. She was well-known for hosting big family meals with way too much food. She never turned a friend, friend of a friend, or complete stranger away from joining in the meal. Her heart always had room for one more.

She was not only a single mom, but a working one at that. She began her career with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1979, serving first as a Clerk in Marysville before moving to Kansas City, where she was a Crew Caller. Hard working and charismatic, she was promoted to Crew Management Supervisor at the Union Pacific Harriman Dispatch Center in Omaha. In 1998 Connie made the decision to move back to Marysville to be closer to her aging parents and infant grandchildren. She stepped away from her management position to work as a transportation supervisor. She remained in this position until her retirement in 2015.

Connie was an active member of the Quilt Divas, donating many quilts to wounded service men and women in VA hospitals across the country, as well as to local veterans. She was once quoted as saying, “Each quilt is made with love and honor for our country and the men and women protecting us.” She thoroughly enjoyed taking bus trips with her quilting friends as well as going on trips with the Union Pacific Junior Old-timers.

She was committed to volunteering, dedicating her time to R.S.V.P., Meals on Wheels, and Hospice. In her spare time, Connie could often be found either watching sports on television or reading a James Patterson book – sometimes both simultaneously. Connie loved her family, her community, and her country with unconditional love. Her smile was contagious and brought joy to everyone she came in contact with. She was selfless when offering advice, always encouraging others to take chances and be brave. She was an amazing listener who always made others feel important and valued. She didn’t pass judgement and was generous with second chances. Her passion for helping others was quite possibly one of her most forceful characteristics.

Survivors include her sons, Bill (Valerie) Ackerman of Enid, Okla., Todd (Jada) Ackerman of Augusta, Kan., and Tim (Amy) Ackerman of Marysville, Kan.; sisters, Colleen K. Bussman and Sue Ellen Breeding, both of Marysville; brother, David (Pat) Breeding of Marysville; seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Taylor, Ashleigh, Noah, Frank, Daniel, and Zachary; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family requests that donations be made to the Marysville Union Pacific Depot Preservation Society. Contributions may be sent in the care of Kinsley Mortuary.

Video link to funeral for Connie Ackerman