Aug 27, 2014
Ohio’s Ackerman, industry booster, dies

George F. Ackerman, 83, of Oregon, Ohio died Aug. 23 at his home.

Mr. Ackerman farmed with his two brothers until 1958. From that point on, he custom sprayed vegetable crops for local farmers and operated the George F. Ackerman Co. that sold and serviced specialized fruit and vegetable machinery including spraying, irrigation, harvesting and packing equipment.

In 1969 he expanded the business by distributing tomato harvesting and related equipment. The business grew, necessitating a move in 1980 to the current location in Curtice, Ohio. He served as the company’s president until 2006. In 1989, he diversified with the addition of Ackerman Industrial Equipment, doing business as a Nissan forklift dealership.

Mr. Ackerman was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, parents George and Elsie, daughter Kay, brothers Harold and Jim, and sister Dorothy Bauer. His father George R. died 62 years ago to the day and was instrumental in starting the family farm equipment business in 1939.

Mr. Ackerman is survived by sons Paul (Kathy), Mark (Debra Ann), Kurt (Beth) and Glen, 11 grandchildren, two great grandsons and sister Ruth Cummerow as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was well respected by his customers and people associated with the tomato industry in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. He contributed much to the Mid-America Food Processors Association. He was honored to receive the Tomato Achievement Award by his peers in 1991 that recognized his outstanding service to the tomato industry. He was awarded the distinguished H.D. Brown Food Processing Person of the Year award in 1995 as well as awards for distinguished service to the Ohio Vegetable and Potato Growers Association and received Purdue University’s Romanowski award for Cooperation and Excellence to the Mid-America Tomato Industry.

Mr. Ackerman served on the board of directors for the Ohio-Michigan Equipment Distributors Association from 1990-1997 and served as president in 1995-1996.

George and Elaine established a Clay High School Agricultural Scholarship fund to assist students pursuing careers in agriculture.

In 2010 George received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Curtice Community Club “for setting an example for all of us.”

Funeral services were scheduled for Aug. 29. Arrangements are by Eggleson-Meinert-Pavely Funeral Home, 440 S. Coy Road in Oregon, Ohio.

Memorials in Mr. Ackerman’s memory may be given to First St. John Lutheran Church, The Gideon’s International or First Alliance Church.




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