Marion Arthur “Stormy” Ackerman, age 57, of Wolf Point, Montana, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point.
Marion was born on March 19, 1953, at Browning, Montana to Wesley G. and Bertha (Sharp) Ackerman. Marion spent some of his youth at the Yellowstone Boy’s Ranch where he played basketball as well as football, baseball and track. When he was a young boy of 12 years he had the privilege of opening a show with a traditional Native American dance special for famed country singer Charlie Pride, after which Charlie Pride requested Marion’s autograph. Marion boxed in his mid teens to early adulthood, and never lost a bout. Marion liked to cook, dance, play pool and meet new people. He joined the Navy on November 13, 1973. He loved the military and wanted to make it his career, but due to an auto accident, his career was limited to eight years total service, three years in the Navy, three years in the Army National Guard, as well as two years in the Air National Guard. He later obtained his CNA certification and worked in that field for a number of years. He voluntarily cooked and served at the Lord’s Table shelter located in Wolf Point. He had a big heart, full of love, compassion, charity, and bravery. Among his people he carried the Indian name, “Tatanka Enapay” (Brave Buffalo).
He is survived by his sons, Marion Arthur Ackerman, Jr., Garriette Wesley Ackerman, and Trevor Dean Ackerman, all of Billings; three step-children, Saya L. Bigleggins, of Cut Bank, MT, Teela R. Johnston, of Billings and Roland H. Johnston of Billings; sister, Tonia J. Ackerman of Browning, MT; brother, Rubin G. Ackerman of Red Lodge, MT; and long time friend, Lori Bigleggins of Billings; as well as numerous very special nephews and nieces, grandchildren and caring friends.
Marion was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Bertha Ackerman, brothers, Raymond A. Ackerman, Wilber T. Ackerman, Wesley R. Ackerman, Eugene W. Ackerman, and Joseph W. Turtle; sisters, Ruby M. Ackerman, Jane F. Ackerman, Wilverna M. Ackerman, Evangaline D. Turtle; and special uncle, William (Bill) Sharp.
A prayer service wake will be held Monday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m. at the Wolf Point Community Hall. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 23, also at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment with military honors will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Wolf Point.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Pallbearers
Phillip Fourstar Aaron Ackerman Apollo Ackerman
Wesley Ackerman Landyn Ackerman Shilo Fourstar
Tyler Ackerman Floyd Ackerman, Jr. Richard Campbell
Floyd Ackerman, Sr. Kevin Ackerman Richard Clark
Honorary Pallbearers
Mike Campbell Garrick Robinson Jack Achiavito
Mike Stump Darrell Granbois Nolan Hendrickson
Mitchell Clark Harvey Campbell Doug Ackerman
All his pool friends