Memorial services for Jane L. Ackerman, age 48, of Albert Lea, will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at First Lutheran Church, 301 W. Clark St., Albert Lea. Rev. Daniel Baker will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, 1415 Hwy. 13 N., Albert Lea, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Jane fought a courageous battle with her diabetic illness and died with her family by her side at St. Marys Hospital on Sunday, April 3, 2005.

Jane Louise Ackerman was born to Orrin and Louise (Runden) Bye. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1975. Jane began her working career at Wall Drug in Rapid City, S.D. In 1977, she moved to Owatonna and was employed at Perkins Restaurant as a hostess and assistant manger. Jane met Tim Ackerman in 1979 and they were married May 3, 1980. The family moved to Worthington in 1987 where Jane worked at Perkins as an assistant manager and then for Sterling Drug Northland Mall as their gift manager. In Worthington, Jane was an avid supporter of the YMCA and was selected the YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 1997. In 1999, Jane moved with her family back to Albert Lea.

She worked at Andersen Hallmark Stores, now Doyle’s Hallmark, and Christopher Banks Clothing Store. Jane loved her work and the customers she served. Her kindness radiated throughout her life. She was a loving mother and volunteered her time for many.

Survivors include her husband, Tim; daughter, Kelli Ackerman of New Brighton; son, Jay Ackerman of Albert Lea; father, Orrin Bye of Albert Lea; brother, James and his wife Jennifer Bye of Matawan; nieces: Crystal Bye of St. Paul, and Monica Bye of Matawan; nephew, Travis Bye of Matawan; father- and mother-in-law: Donald and Donna Ackerman of St. Louis Park; sister-in-law, LuAnn Nipper, nephew, Zachary Nipper, and niece, Nicole Nipper, all of Minneapolis; and many other relatives and friends.

Jane was preceded in death by her loving mothers: Louise (Runden) Bye and Beverly (Swenson) Bye.