Leonard Laverne Ackland

Leonard Laverne Ackland was joyously welcomed into the arms of his Savior on December 27th, 2021 at 87 years young. Len was born in Casey, Iowa on August 14th, 1934 to his parents, Leonard and Mildred (Jensen) Ackland.

Len adored his wife, Cheryl (Hendren) Ackland for 66 years. He married Cheryl, his high school sweetheart on November 17th, 1955 in Fairbault, MN. He was the proud father of Randal, Philip, Amy and Jeffrey, and grandfather to thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.
Len served in the National Guard as well as the Army stationed at Fort Knox. Len and Cheryl were charter members at Bethel Assembly of God in Sycamore, IL. He was a passionate ice cream salesman for Schwan’s. After retiring from Schwan’s, he soon discovered that he wasn’t quite done working yet, so he worked until he was 79 years young as a maintenance worker for Oak Crest Retirement facility.
He chose to give his heart to the Lord as an adult and never looked back, faithfully serving him for several decades. Len leaves behind a legacy of servanthood, dedication, hard-work, generosity and love. Len was faithful in reading his bible and praying over his family and friends. He daily memorized scripture and freely quoted it. Len appreciated the Creator’s handiwork in landscaping, often commenting on the green grass, colorful skies, and how big the mountains are. He was most wowed by his own tree collection in his backyard, taking care of them with sheer admiration.
Len loved to cruise the water in a boat amongst family. He had an unfathomable amount of gratitude for a nice long drive to anywhere as long as it had coffee stops along the way. He enjoyed when Cheryl would let him eat out and was known to stop for a burger if she didn’t. He was a fine shopper who would often bring home new pieces of furniture. Len also thoroughly enjoyed Werther’s candy, regularly having a couple in his pockets. He would watch his favorite movie, A Christmas Story year round if Cheryl didn’t hide it in the summer months.
Len liked to stop by and see his children and grandchildren on a weekly basis. Len would frequently come home during lunch break to eat with his grandchildren and other daycare children. Len could often be found with a cup of black coffee in his hands and drank it by the pot. He loved to talk to anyone that would listen and even those that would prefer not to. He could make a friend anywhere he would go. Len will always be remembered as a loving, talkative, likeable and joyous man who loved his Savior with all of his heart.
Len will be profoundly missed by his wife, Cheryl; his children Randal (Connie) Ackland of North Attleboro, MA, Philip (Merrit) Ackland of Homer Glen, IL, Amy Anderson of Powell, WY, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Ackland of DeKalb, IL. He will be affectionately remembered by his thirteen grandchildren Philip (Randi), Ryan (Jamie), Andrew, Allison (Michael), Brent (Hannah), Jared, Grant, Kylee, Brandon, Annie, Noah, Jolynn and Bradley; and three great-grandchildren, Maebie, Harvey and Jameson.
Len was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings; Elaine Martyr, Ramona Bucher, Iris Baumgart, Gloria Hanegraaf and David Ackland, his son-in-law, Jeffrey Anderson and his great-grandson, Declan Walsh. A memorial service is to take place on Saturday, January 15th, 2021 at 10 am, at Glad Tidings Assembly of God, 777 E Seventh St, Powell, WY, 82435, with Pastor Michael Walsh Officiating. Additional memorial service will be held at Bethel Assembly of God, 131 W Elm St, Sycamore, IL 60178 on January 22nd , 2021 at 11 am with Pastor William Mills officiating. Leonard will be interred at Crownhill Cemetery in Powell, WY.