Tom Ackland died of cancer at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis on May 7, 2007.

He was born on March 5, 1946. He was the son of Chester and Florence (Keen) Ackland. He was baptized and confirmed at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1964. Tom served in the Army from 1965 until 1968 and served his country in Vietnam. After his military career he attended Pima College in Tucson, Ariz., where he studied art. Tom had various employment over the years, most recently at MJ Behnke Woodworking in Hastings while he lived at the Veterans home there.

His favorite past times were enjoying the outdoors and drawing as he was a talented artist. He liked to draw people and farm animals in the cartoon format.

He is survived by his father Chet (Ginny) of Albert Lea, and brothers Jay (Linda) of Neola, Iowa, Greg (Janet) of Hartland, and Mark (Julie) of Albert Lea and many nieces and nephews. His mother preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held in the Chapel of Peace at Minnesota Veterans Home Minneapolis Saturday at 2 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held Monday at 10:15 a.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Hastings.