Mike passed on September 21, 2023. He was born to Baultis and Eleanor (Schoen) Ackerman on July 23, 1943, in Watkins MN, the youngest of seven children. Mike graduated from Kimball High School in 1961. In February 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for three years in the Army Med Corps as a Med Reports and Records Tech and Med Evac Specialist and attained the rank of Sergeant. Mike worked for an industrial finance company after discharge from the Army and met his wife Mary in Minneapolis in April of 1967. Mike and Mary (Mahal) were wed in St. Anne’s Church in Wabasso MN on October 12, 1968. They moved to Cokato, MN from St. Paul in early summer 1971. Their son Javen was born August 10, 1974.
Mike enjoyed competitive trap and black powder shooting, golf, photography, and was involved in Community Theater for over thirty years.
Mike believed in giving back to the community and soon after moving to Cokato became a member of the Cokato Chamber of Commerce. He served as Secretary and also as President. Mike volunteered for the Cokato Corn Carnival for forty-six years, including nine years as Corn Carnival Chairman. In 2003 Mike was recognized for dedicated service to the carnival. He served for many years on the Community Chest Board, the Historical Society Board, and served one term on the City Council. Mike also was a member of Cokato American Legion Post 209 and served for 6 terms as Finance Officer and several terms as Post Commander. He was recognized for dedication and leadership by Post 209 in 2014. He also served on the Post 209 Honor Guard. He volunteered to be a member of the DC High School football chain gang for 37 seasons. Most recently, he served on the Village Ranch Board of Directors. Mike and Mary were Grand Marshalls for the 2014 Corn Carnival Parade and Mike was named 2017 Citizen of The Year by the Cokato Chamber of Commerce.
Mike is survived by Mary, his wife of nearly 55 years, his son Javen (Erin) and grandchildren Thessaly, and Torbin, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Berenice, Dorothy, Laura, Janice, Barbara, and his brother Baultis Jr.
A visitation will take place from 4-6 with parish prayers at 6:30 pm on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato, MN and continue 1 hour prior to an 11:00 memorial mass at St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin, MN on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mike’s preferred charity, Believet Canine Service Partners (believet.org) or a charity of your choosing. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com