Obituary: Lanny E. Ackerman

 Lanny's family will have a Celebration of Life will be held at the Senior Center in Exeter, Nebraska on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00pm, open to all family and friends. In respect of his wishes burial will be private. The family requests no flowers. All memorials may be directed to Exeter Fire and Rescue in Exeter, Nebraska.

It was Lanny's wishes to be cremated.

Lanny Edmond Ackerman was born to Edmond Ackerman and Geniza Irene (Albro) Ackerman on May 27, 1947 in York, Nebraska and passed away on August 19, 2025 at his home in Exeter, Nebraska.

He group up in Fairmont, Nebraska, graduating from Fairmont High School in 1966. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country. Lanny entered the Marine Corps where he attained the rank of sergeant and earned his rifle expert badge and Marine of the Month award for July 1968 before receiving an honorable discharge in August of 1968.

After the Marine Corps, Lanny returned to Nebraska where he enrolled in Fairbury Junior College, eventually transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and married. While attending the University, he began working at Goodyear and continued there for over 32 years until retiring. During school, Lanny met his lifelong friend, Mike Jensen. Mike, along with Mike's wife, Jan, and their daughters, were a second family for Lanny. 

Lanny enjoyed employing his carpentry and construction skills to undertake many home improvements; including finishing the basement of his family home, and building a shed and clubhouse for his boys. Later, he developed a cycling interest, participating in several years of BRAN and the inaugural, and many subsequent, "Tour de Nebraska" rides.

Upon retirement, he moved to Exeter, Nebraska and renewed an earlier passion for hunting and reloading. His sons will attest that competition for his "favorite" likely belonged either to his retriever "Red," from his early years; or "Dutch" his chocolate labrador companion later in life.

While living in Exeter, Lanny devoted his time and knowledge to the local Boy Scout Troop, joined the Fairmont American Legion and served as the county zoning officer for Exeter.

Lanny is preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Gayle Calusha; and his sister, Nadine. He is survived by his sons, Nicholas Ackerman of Kansas City, Missouri and Gregory Ackerman of Exeter; his sister and brother-in-law, Nina and Robert Bartu of Exeter; his nephews, Tom Galusha and Thad Galusha; his nieces Tricia Galusha Chapman and Darci Bartu McCarter; great nephews, cousins, and several lifelong friends.