Duane Richard "Dick" Ackman, 89, of Greeley passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Greeley Assisted Living in Greeley, Nebraska.

Duane Richard "Dick" was born October 3, 1934, in the Rayville area near Petersburg, Nebraska to William and Mary (Baumgartner) Ackman. He attended District #16 Rural School and Saint Bonaventure High School. Dick was proud of his service as an altar server during his grade school years and also enjoyed riding his pony to school.

Dick farmed in the Oakdale area until 1956; and also hired out as a semi-truck driver. On April 7, 1956, Dick was united in marriage to Annette Kleffner at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding, Nebraska. The couple moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin where Dick was employed at Roll-A-Home trailer factory. He also worked in the evenings at an auto repair shop to learn the trade and at a bowling alley setting pins; this was before automatic pinsetters.

In 1959, the couple settled in Greeley, Nebraska. The move was requested by Ray Mlinar and the Greeley Service Club as the area was in need of an auto repair shop. Dick owned and operated "Dick's Auto Service" in Greeley until 2009, when he retired.

During his time in business, he was very dedicated to his customers; he was on call 24/7 ready to help anyone in trouble. He spent many nights pulling out cars with the wrecker and was famous for bringing strangers home for a meal with his family or an overnight stay. They were always welcome in his home and he never left anyone stranded nor did he charge interest if it was difficult for people to pay.

Following his retirement, Dick maintained an office and work room in town where he continued to repair his own vehicles and engaged in odd jobs; enjoying his private time or visiting with anyone who ventured in.

Dick was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council. He was instrumental in the addition of the railings on the altar steps; outdoor lighting and spent many hours watering the new grass at the Sacred Heart School so students would have a nice play area.

His gifts to the Greeley Community were many which included the Irish Festival. He was a member of the Greeley Fire Department and EMT's for many years. He also served on the Town Board and along with Ray Mlinar, they flew to Chicago to obtain a grant for low cost housing units which are still in operation and have benefited many residents.

Dick loved to ride his motorcycles in his younger years; and took many trips with family and friends. He had a passion for woodworking. His specialty was treasure chests that he made for many family and friends. Dick never forgot his farm upbringing; and loved to be on his tractor in the country or removing snow from his neighbor's driveways. He also enjoyed the young people; taking them canoeing and riding the 4-wheelers. Dick and Annette attended meetings to learn how to conduct post prom parties for the high school; which have continued to this day.

Dick was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Those left to morn his passing are his wife of 67 years, Annette of Greeley; three daughters, Sandi Schultz of Sherman, Texas, Stephanie Ackman and friend, Mindy Bruecher of Omaha; and Lynette Ackman of Washington State; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Dennis and Kathryn Ackman of Columbus and Kurt Ackman of Maryland; nine grandchildren, Marcus, Renee, Nick, Kirsten, Scott, Dustin, Brian, Craig and Chelsea; and twelve great-grandchildren, Madden, Mya, Owen, Jaxon, Preston, Piper, Palmer, Dylan, Anna, Everlie, Porter and Lena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Gary Ackman; and four brothers, William, Francis, Joe and Jim Ackman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley. Father Lawrence Vadakkan will be the Mass Celebrant. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Greeley, Nebraska.  Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Greeley Assisted Living or the Greeley Volunteer Fire Department and EMT's.