Elmer Ackermann, Jr. of Green Bay, WI, age 92, passed away September 24, 2023.

Born January 5, 1931, in Minot, ND, son of the late Rev. Elmer F. Ackermann, Sr.' and Mildred (Canterie) Ackermann. He was baptized January 1931 and confirmed June 1945. He was united in marriage to Joanne M. Olson, August 18, 1956, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wayzata, MN. His wife, Joanne, preceded him in death, December 19, 2021.

Elmer was a graduate of Owatonna, MN high school and Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN. His graduate studies were at MacPhail College with Canadian composer/organist Gerald Bales. Further studies were with Paul Christiansen, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, Paul Manz, organ, Trinity Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, and the National College of Education, Evanston, III. He retired in 1993 after a 41-year career as a public school choral music instructor at the secondary level.

Elmer was a trombonist with the Duluth, MN and Boise, ID symphony orchestras, and has served as organist/choirmaster to five different Protestant denominations for over 70 years. In Shawano, he served the Music Ministry of Peace United Church of Christ for 26 years as Choir Director and Organist. The Peace organ, 1961, stop distribution was his design. He also played evening, mid-week services for St. Jakobi, LCMS for approximately thirty years. Hymn tune improvisation was of great importance in his service playing.

Elmer's interest in organ tonal design allowed him to work with a well-known Wisconsin organ builder and to serve as a consultant and dedicatory recitalist for several Midwest instruments. He was a member of the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society. He enjoyed composing hymn variations, pipe organ tuning, woodwork, auto and marine interests, and travel.

Elmer is survived by his children; LonniAnn (Greg) Karly of Fruita, CO., Mark R. (Judith) Ackermann of Albuquerque, NM., Karl D. (Susan) Ackermann of Green Bay, WI, and grandchildren, Tess, Morgan, Mariah, James, Edward, and Joanna.

A funeral service will be held at St. Jakobi LCMS in Shawano on Friday September 29, 2023, at 11:00 am with Rev. Travis Kleinschmidt officiating. Visitation will be held starting at 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Parsch-Handrich Educational Fund.