Shirley Mae (Klingel) Ackerman

Shirley M. Ackerman, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, age 89 of Cardington, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025, at her home. She was born on October 21, 1935, to the late Carl L. and Luella M. (Dietsch) Klingel.

Shirley was a 1953 graduate of Waldo High School. After graduation, she went on to work at the Dairy Bar in both Waldo and Green Camp, where she brought a smile to everyone around her. She also worked at Tri-Rivers, where she was both a cashier and janitor. Her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic made her a valued and beloved part of every place she worked.

Shirley's greatest joy in life came from her family. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to their happiness and well-being. A card game enthusiast, she especially enjoyed playing euchre. She cherished time spent on the water, especially boating trips with the family, creating memories filled with laughter and love. In her younger years, she also played piano, filling her home with music and joy. Shirley was a lifelong member of the St. John Windfall Lutheran Church. Her love, warmth, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

On May 22, 1954, Shirley married the love of her life Kenneth Ackerman at St. Paul Lutheran Church, and he preceded her in death on February 27, 2025.

Shirley is survived by their children: Steve Ackerman of Prospect, Terry (Ida Mooney) Ackerman of Marion, and Denise (Bob Franks) Crothers of Cardington; her grandchildren, Zachary (Tiffany Gordon) and Marcus Crothers, Justine (Evan Frank) Ackerman, Hannah, Ian, and Benjamin Ackerman; siblings Vickie (Tim) Goyer of Walbridge and Candy Makowski of Marion.

Friends may call on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street in Cardington. The funeral service will be held Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. John Windfall Lutheran Church at 11:00 am. Following the service, the burial will take place in the Windfall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to Marion County Humane Society, 2264 Richland Road, Marion, Ohio 43302 or Bread for All People c/o Windfall Lutheran Church, 5070 Newmans Cardington Road East, Cardington, Ohio 43315.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Ackerman family with Shirley's final wishes and condolences may be expressed at www.gompffh.com.