Florene Ackerman, 81 of Gifford, passed away peacefully at 8:55 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2024, at Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford.

Florene was born in Champaign, Illinois on December 29, 1942, to Mane and Grace Buhs Fruhling.  She married Derald Ackerman on December 4, 1963, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville.

She is survived by her husband, Derald, of Gifford; two sons, Dion (Colleen) Ackerman of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Michael (Cheryl) Ackerman of rural Rantoul; six grandchildren, Zachary, Ashlee, Kellie, and Lane Ackerman, Danielle (Reid) Butts, Anthony Krizman and great grandson Brecken.  She is also survived by her sister, Rosetta Suits of Penfield; sister-in-law, Donna DeHaven of Springfield, Missouri, many nieces and nephews and dear life-long friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Arnold and Alma Ackerman, brother-in-law, Kenneth Suits and brother-in-law, Delmar Ackerman.

Florene graduated from Rantoul Twp. High School in 1960.  She retired from Verizon Telephone Company, Rantoul.

She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church serving on many committees and also working part-time for the church.  Florene was involved in the founding of the German Fall Festival Building in Gifford and also enjoyed cooking for events at the Gifford Community Building.

Florene enjoyed planting flowers, being around her many friends and helping in any way she could.  She loved farming with her husband and sons.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville with Rev. Scott Smith officiating.  Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.