Obituary for W. Wilbur Ackermann
Dr. Weston Wilbur "Will" Ackermann, age 97, passed away in his home on July 18, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Will was born June 15, 1925 in New Orleans, Louisiana the son of Rudolph Herbert and Isabelle (Trepagnier) Ackermann Sr. His cremains will be returned to New Orleans to join many family members whose remains reside in the Ackermann Family Tomb established in 1916 by his grandfather who had immigrated from Switzerland.
Will was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rudolph Herbert Ackermann, Jr.; his dear friends, Martha Ebinger and Ferenz (Fritz) Whitman.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Ackermann and nieces, Megan Ackermann-Jaenes and Marla Ackermann-Doehring and their children.
Will retired in 1985 as Professor Emeritus from the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan concluding a career of teaching, research and service spanning three and one-half decades. Dr. Ackermann’s research focused on the biochemical interaction of cells with polio and influenza viruses. In 1958, Professor Ackermann was awarded the prestigious Eli Lilly Award for Excellence in Research and Microbiology. His research laboratory hosted many international researchers for collaborative studies. He traveled the world extensively reporting the results of his research.
Will loved art, classical music, gardening, and entertaining with a flare of elegance both local and international guests in his home which he occupied for over 60 years from construction to his death. Will’s desire to remain in his home was made possible by excellent personal care and home services provided by Terri and Jeff Collison and the staff of the Senior Key Care Group as well the staff from Grace Hospice. Will’s well-being has been managed by long term friends: Kathy Whitman, John Metzger, and Tim Barker.
No funeral services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Will’s Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Grace Hospice, 1194 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48108.
Will was born June 15, 1925 in New Orleans, Louisiana the son of Rudolph Herbert and Isabelle (Trepagnier) Ackermann Sr. His cremains will be returned to New Orleans to join many family members whose remains reside in the Ackermann Family Tomb established in 1916 by his grandfather who had immigrated from Switzerland.
Will was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rudolph Herbert Ackermann, Jr.; his dear friends, Martha Ebinger and Ferenz (Fritz) Whitman.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Ackermann and nieces, Megan Ackermann-Jaenes and Marla Ackermann-Doehring and their children.
Will retired in 1985 as Professor Emeritus from the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan concluding a career of teaching, research and service spanning three and one-half decades. Dr. Ackermann’s research focused on the biochemical interaction of cells with polio and influenza viruses. In 1958, Professor Ackermann was awarded the prestigious Eli Lilly Award for Excellence in Research and Microbiology. His research laboratory hosted many international researchers for collaborative studies. He traveled the world extensively reporting the results of his research.
Will loved art, classical music, gardening, and entertaining with a flare of elegance both local and international guests in his home which he occupied for over 60 years from construction to his death. Will’s desire to remain in his home was made possible by excellent personal care and home services provided by Terri and Jeff Collison and the staff of the Senior Key Care Group as well the staff from Grace Hospice. Will’s well-being has been managed by long term friends: Kathy Whitman, John Metzger, and Tim Barker.
No funeral services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Will’s Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Grace Hospice, 1194 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48108.