Melvin J. Ackerman, a lifelong North Platte resident, died peacefully at home May 13th, 2015 following a long illness. He was born November 27, 1934, to Katherine and Harry A. Ackerman. He attended North Platte schools, graduating from NPHS in 1953. He brought recognition to the High School track team for his outstanding athletic performance in setting state records for the half mile races. He enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard, and served for several years. In 1954, he married Zoe Valentine, with whom he had five children. The two later divorced. Mel chose the vocation of a carpenter, following in the footsteps of his Ackerman grandfather. As a lifelong employee of Dowhower Construction Company he contributed his skills, precision, and dedication to the building of many homes and business sites throughout the area including, The First Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member. With a deep awareness of the wonder and beauty of the natural world, Mel loved the lakes and prairies of the Great Plains, and the birds, the fish, the wild creatures which inhabit it. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, and camping with his children. Planting a garden and watching it grow was another joy. Mel was a dedicated Husker fan, and that also brought him many hours of enjoyment and bonding with his family. His children were the delight of his life and he leaves them incomparable intangible gifts as his legacy. A striving for doing one's very best, a strong work ethic, living simply and neatly, stewardship of personal resources, how to tend a garden, build a house, and how to figure out how to fix things. Melvin is survived by sons, David M. Ackerman of Winchester, CA, and Matthew Ackerman of North Platte; daughters, Cynthia (David) Lowry of Centennial, CO and Ann (Jan) Frohman of Ashland, NE; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; his sister, Mary (Keith) Peterson of Ashland, MO; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Peter Ackerman; brother, Arthur Ackerman; sisters, Eugenia (Raymond) Reynolds, and Shirley (James) Wresche. Services will be 1:30 Friday, May 15, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Polly K. Deppen-Williams officiating. Burial will be in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.