Robert Ackman Obituary

Robert "Bob" Ackman, 73, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Visitation will be Monday, July 21, from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian at a later date. Robert Dale Ackman was born August 23, 1951, to Ronald and Shirley (Struckman) Ackman. His nickname from an early age was "Boomer". Boomer graduated from Mitchell High School in 1970, receiving numerous athletic awards while in high school. As an adult, he earned awards in amateur 16" softball State & National, and amateur baseball. Stories are shared on how a ball has never been hit as far as the Ackman boys could - Just ask Bozo. Bob and his wife, Mary McKillop, celebrated 41 years of marriage, uniting on November 25, 1983. Bob worked as a maintenance mechanic and short time as an addiction counselor. Bob loved the outdoors, creating memories with family and friends during the hunting, and fishing trips taken. It didn't matter if it was big game, small game, or target practice, he was with those he cherished, it was all about the memories, rather than the kill. Often the truck, trailer, or stringer would come home empty. His favorite fishing spot was the captain's chair on his boat, saying "The walleye choppers are coming, the bite is going to start" as 3 foot swells are getting bigger all over the mighty Mo. He also enjoyed panfishing Lake Mitchell, or trying to catch some whiskers out of the James River. The grands were taught to fish by Papa, yet they cringed when he offered to take them fishing in the boat, as it seldom ran smoothly. Bob had many passions but none more than his children and grands. The 4th of July was always one of Bob's favorites; the whole family would gather in Letcher and have lots of great food, loud fireworks, sharing and making memories. He immensely enjoyed the time he spent coaching football and baseball, creating love of the game in area youth. Sports, woodworking, chocolate doughnuts, mentoring youth, and potlucks also rated high in Bob favorites. The grands will always remember him as the best pancake flipper, bear hugger, whisker burner, cheerleader, ear puller, and prankster ever! They enjoyed his coffee - smidge of coffee and lots of milk and sugar. Even as his health diminished, his knowledge of "Old School" mechanics, sport fundamentals, fishing, and life were often sought. The friends he created working with addicts admired his "gruff" compassion. "Be honest!! You're never going to do anything, I haven't already done!" was his favorite advice to give. Anyone that ever met Bob, knew he had a heart of gold, and would help anyone out - no questions asked. He was a natural athlete and a wonderful mentor and coach. He was always the calm in any storm. He's soaring with the eagles now, but will be greatly missed by those he left behind. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Paul, Jeremy (son of Diana) and wife Nikole, Jerid (son of Becky) and wife Kristy; daughter, Randa (daughter of Becky) and husband Aaron Bickett; 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Roxie and Debbie. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ashley Ackman; parents, Ron and Shirley; brothers, Scott and Robin; sister-in-law, Joyce; and cords of loved ones.