Alvin Rubin Ackerman passed on October 2, 2019, peacefully with daughters Kristy and Suan by his side.
Alvin was born September 3, 1924, in Purewater MT, near Wolf Point, in a little sod house on the prairie of a 200 acre wheat farm his father leased from the Sioux. He was born to Gottlieb and Christina (Schauer) Ackerman, who were born in Ukraine and Russia, but were of German descent and spoke German, as did Alvin. He was always trying to teach doctors, nurses, anyone.
Everyone loved Alvin’s wit, kindness and stories. Alvin had 9 brothers and 5 sisters; a large German patriotic family. Seven brothers served in the military. Three brothers in Europe in WWII, at the same time, Alvin, Rudy and Edwin. Five siblings still survive Alvin.
Alvin married LaVerle Leavitt on January 6, 1948. She passed away on June 21, 2010. He lived his life in Quilcene, had four children, Linda Hilsabeck, Damascus, OR, Susan Ackerman-Cook, Sequim, Ken Ackerman (Janet), Quilcene, and Kristy Ackerman, Quilcene, eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alvin was inducted in the Army in 1943, and after basic training at Camp White, Medford, Oregon, he was sent to the European Front during WWII. Alvin was in the 216th Quartermaster Salvage Repair Battalion, repairing tents, clothes from the dead, typewriters, recycling everything to keep the Army going. Alvin saw plenty of action in Europe. He was wounded October 5, 1944, at the Siegfried Line, later receiving the Purple Heart.
After recovering in Paris, he was sent back to his company to Omaha Beach, five days after D-Day for the biggest mess and clean up in history, the Battle of the Bulge. Alvin was also an interpreter of German language for the troops.
When Alvin returned home to Quilcene, he worked at Indian Island. Later, he worked for Buck Mountain Logging Co., as a rock driller/powder monkey, blasting rock to build all the logging roads from Brinnon to Palo Alto, Blyn.
In the late 50’s, Alvin started is own gyppo logging by cutting peeler logs and shake bolts for shakes. His wife, LaVerle, and kids would help everyday in the woods. Alvin later got a contract for Puget Power Bonneville Power Co. to haul spools of cable for power from Shelton up into the steep mountains of Hood Canal, Jupiter and Hama Hama with his Army truck. LaVerle and the kids went along to help, as the kids were never left with a sitter.
In the 60’s, Alvin worked for Walt Kelly Canal Construction as a driller/powder monkey with good friend Robert “Joe” Such. When Walt Kelly retired he got Alvin on with the County Highway Department until he retired in 1980.
Alvin was a lifelong member of the Quilcene VFW Post 3213, Battle of the Bulge member, and the Washington Old Time Fiddlers. He donated his time to help build the Quilcene Youth Center in the 1950’s, and helped build the VFW Hall in Quilcene. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Quilcene Fire Department. When the siren of the high school blew, day or night, he went to follow the truck.
Alvin loved his guitar, fiddles, banjo, accordion, and listening to old time fiddles and accordion players. Alvin loved traveling the U.S. and Canada. Daughter Kristy, would drive Alvin and LaVerle all over. He loved the Brooks, OR, Threshing Bee Antique Steam-Up, as Alvin had steam engines, a 1931 Model A and his dad’s 1928 Case tractor. Alvin loved fairs and logging shows where he was a champion axe thrower until the late 80’s. Alvin loved working on motors and all equipment, especially lawn mowers.
He received two Quilts of Valor, well deserved.
Alvin was the kindest man and loved his wife, kids and grandchildren. Always a smile and wit. We love you Daddy, Pa & Grandpa. You will be greatly missed.
“Where there walks a logger there walks a man.”
Full military funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 12:00 noon, at the Presbyterian Church in Quilcene. Burial will follow at 2:30 at Quilcene Cemetery, followed by a potluck reception at Quilcene School Cafeteria Multipurpose Building. Contact Susan Ackerman, 360-683-1660, 414 E. Fir St., Sequim, WA 98382.
