Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Geraldine “Jeri” Ellen Ackerman, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Orchard Villa Nursing Home, Oregon, Ohio. She was born on February 6, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Leroy and Margaret (Huntzinger) Gschwind.
Jeri was a graduate of Sylvania Northview High School, Class of 1962. She had a warm, welcoming personality. Whether striking up a conversation with someone she had just met or talking with a lifelong friend, Jeri always knew just what to say and had a remarkable gift for making others feel at ease.
On January 7, 1967, Geraldine married the love of her life, Ronald Ackerman, at Little Flower Catholic Church. The couple first met at a nurses Christmas party in 1964, beginning a loving marriage that spanned nearly six decades.
She worked for many years at the Oregon branch library, where her friendly nature and love of helping others made her a favorite among coworkers and patrons alike. Following her retirement, she continued serving her community by volunteering for more than five years at St. Charles Hospital, often working in the gift shop.
Jeri found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved sewing, reading, gardening, and caring for her beloved parakeets. She was an exceptional cook whose meals brought family together, and she especially cherished family gatherings, where laughter, conversation, and togetherness were always abundant.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Ackerman; her children, Peter Ackerman, Tina (Eric) Wells, and Tim (April) Ackerman; six cherished grandchildren; her twin brother, Thomas (Veronica) Gschwind; and her sister, Diane (Tim) Velker.
In addition to her parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by her son, Joseph (Carol) Ackerman; and her brothers, Joe (Terri) Gschwind and Greg Gschwind.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home - Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road, Oregon, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Epiphany of the Lord Parish - St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 729 White Street, Toledo. Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the Mass. Interment will follow at Clay Township Cemetery.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Jane Nabatanzi, Tina Fisher, and Mary Nowaczyk of Orchard Villa Nursing Home for the compassionate love and exceptional care they provided to Geraldine.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helping Hands of St. Louis or to Epiphany of the Lord Church.
www.egglestonmeinert.com
