Mary Louise (Homfeld) Ackerman passed quietly in her Valparaiso home on January 21, 2025 at the age of 96. Mary was born September 27, 1928 on her family’s farm in Porter Township, the second youngest child of Emma Homfeld (Mohnssen) and Herman Homfeld. She recalled her childhood on the farm with great fondness, often referring to it in her stories and memoirs. The most surprising of these featured the fate of a persistently troublesome and soon to be short-lived rooster, which quickly became a favorite family legend. While much of Mary’s time and devotion was dedicated to raising her 6 daughters, she was also proud to be employed as a bookkeeper for Valparaiso University’s Public Affairs office, and for 18 years as a teller and savings officer with 1st National Bank in Valparaiso. Mary enjoyed square dancing and cross-country RV adventures with her husband Howard, American folk music, the daily challenge of a word search, the comfort of her Bible, and appreciating the beauty of nature, most especially her favorite hummingbirds, bluebirds and cardinals. Mary was known to family, friends, and neighbors for her gentle heart, enduring kindness, and her lifelong belief that all people are precious and worthy of love—however soft her voice, her conviction in this rang louder than thunder.
Mary is remembered by 6 daughters from her marriage to Robert Osenga: Annette, Judith, Christine, Margaret, Nancy, and Janice, as well as her 3 step-children, Mark, Robin, and Amy, who came into her family through her marriage to Howard Ackerman. Mary was further blessed with 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and all their partners and friends whom she welcomed into her home and heart throughout her life.
A public visitation will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with service beginning at 12:00 PM, and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice or Porter County Community Foundation. Click here to watch the recorded funeral service and video tribute.
GUESTBOOK
Chris and Family - Sending love during this time of loss. What a wonderful, long, life your Mother lived. She was a dear lady. -Karyn Custer-Jankowski
As church family member with Mary for many years, I rejoice in knowing that Mary is now wrapped in the arms of her Lord. May the memories gathered in your years together comfort you and leave smiles on your faces. -Barbara Coulter
Sending love and condolences to all who loved Mary! She had a heart of gold and we had many years of friendship! I know she is at peace and our many memories will sustain all! -Sandy Duncan
My sincerest condolences to Mary's entire family. I had the privilege of working with her at 1st National Bank, off and on during my summers between college. She was such a wonderful, loving, caring and insightful woman. Then she became my customer when I returned home at Doelling Decorating Center. Every time I saw Mary, she always had a smile on her face, and a kind word. I will never forget her. Deepest Sympathies, -Malissa Doelling
My sincere condolences to my cousins regarding the passing of your mother..my Aunt Mary. What a great lady..a genuinely nice, kind person who excelled thru what often had been not such a nice environment. I, and my brother Casey, are honored to have known Aunt Mary and can only hope in coming close to the level of kindness and generosity example that she lived her life within. -Robert Poplawski, Chandler, Arizona
