Bonnie Jean (Byrne) Ackerman

In Loving Memory of

Bonnie Jean Ackerman

Bonnie Jean Byrne was born on September 3, 1933, on her parents’ farm north of Dovray, Minnesota, to Peter and Jennie (Carter) Byrne. She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1951. On November 8, 1952, Bonnie was united in marriage to Clair Ackerman at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie, MN. Together, they raised 10 children on the Ackerman family farm. Clair passed away on February 1, 2016.  Bonnie grew up embracing the values of hard work, faith, and family that are inherent in rural life, carrying these principles with her throughout her years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother finding great joy in the presence of her family.  Bonnie loved to bake and cook for those she loved, and she was especially known for her delicious cookies, bars, and her famous potato salad, all of which were favorites at family gatherings. She also enjoyed collecting cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, and clocks with Clair. In her free time, Bonnie took pleasure in playing cards, embroidering, knitting, and crocheting, sharing her handmade creations with family and friends. Bonnie was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Currie, MN, and worked for Swift in Marshall, MN, for several years.  Bonnie passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in Westbrook, MN. She reached the age of 92 years, 6 months, and 22 days. Blessed be her memory. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Westbrook Good Samaritan Home and Avera Hospice for the care and attention given to Bonnie during her time there.

Bonnie is survived by her ten children and their spouses: Susan (Brad) Dirks of Redwood Falls, MN; Barbara Lewis of Garvin, MN; Thomas Ackerman of St. Anthony, MN; Deborah (Clare) Feste of Lake Wilson, MN; Joseph Ackerman of Scandia, MN; Judy (Steve) Bloemendaal of Slayton, MN; Kathleen (Kurt) Soderholm of New Ulm, MN; Ruth (Kevin) Dirks of Waseca, MN; Peter (Nancy) Ackerman of Brooklyn Park, MN; and Douglas Ackerman of Sioux Falls, SD. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brian Dirks, Katy Dirks, Chris (Sara) Lewis, Ben Lewis (Megan Schmidt), Jeff (Joyce) Lewis, Whitney Ridley, Amber (Brett) Struve, Seth Ackerman, Logan (Hillary) Ackerman, Michael (Wendy) Feste, Dr. Jessica (Dr. Nicholas) Dziurkowski, Daniel (Amanda) Feste, Adam (Cathy) Feste, Josh (Debbie) Ackerman, Charlie Torrez (Bobbie Murphy), Becky (Kevin) Erickson, Nicholas Soderholm, Morgan (Eric) Nachreiner, Stacie (Paul) Santema, Michelle (Brent) Heller, Jenny Ackerman, Amelia Ackerman, and Delilah Ackerman. She is also survived by 31 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great

grandchildren, and one sister, Hope (Fred “Sonny” Beierman) of Moses Lake, WA.  Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Clair; parents, Peter and Jennie Byrne; siblings, Caren Byrne, Larry Byrne, George Byrne, Patty Byrne, and Kate St. Pierre; son-in-law Jack Lewis; honorary daughter-in-law Karen King; step-grandson James Lewis; and grandson Mason Ridley.  Bonnie will be remembered for her loving heart, strength, patience, and the deep care she showed to everyone around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral Services

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Currie, MN on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Anthony Arokiyam officiating.  The organist is Patty LeClaire. The song leader is Matt Kooperud with special music by Heidi Winter.  The pallbearers are her grandsons.  Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Currie, MN.  Visitation will be on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the church in Currie from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services on Tuesday.  Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements.  To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Avera Hospice, Murray County Hospice, IHM Church in Currie or to donors' choice. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Jean (Byrne) Ackerman, please visit our floral store.