Raymond "Ray" Ackman

Raymond (Ray) J Ackman, age 74, of Viroqua, WI passed away on September 1st, 2026. He was born in Elgin, Illinois to the late Kenneth and Clara (Timm) Ackman. He was the 4th child of 7 children. He attended Hampshire Public School before starting a job at a local butcher shop. He met the love of his life at the age of 15 (he just didn't know it yet). Ray and Susan (Bicknese) Ackman married September 18, 1971. During the course of their marriage, they welcomed five children: Jason "Jake" (Karen Cade) of Fairview, MT; Michael "Mike" Ackman of Central City, IA; Brian (Nichole Bloedow) of Viroqua, WI; Tina (Karl) Osterberg of Viroqua, WI; and Kristi Ackman (Daniel Krekelberg) of West Concord, MN.

In November of 1975 they moved their small herd of dairy cows from Hampshire, IL to Viroqua, WI to continue to pursue their love of dairy farming. For 51 years, Ray devoted his life to building a farm, a dairy herd, and a legacy that reflected his hard work, determination, and deep pride in what he and his family accomplished together. When he and Sue moved from Illinois in 1975, they started with little more than a dream, a few animals, and a willingness to work hard. From those beginnings, he and his wife, Sue, built their farm and dairy herd from scratch, one day and one cow at a time.

Through the years, the small herd grew into a respected, high-quality dairy herd-a reflection of the knowledge, patience, and commitment Ray brought to his work. His wife stood faithfully at his side, and together they worked through long days, changing seasons, challenges, and successes. Their family was an important part of the farm as well, and Ray took great pride in having his children and family alongside him and in seeing them become part of the life they had built.

Farming was never simply a job to Ray. It was his way of life and something he poured his heart into for more than five decades. He understood that a good farm was built through consistency, sacrifice, and caring for what had been entrusted to you. He took pride in his cattle, his land, and in doing things the right way. He was proud of how far the farm had come from those early days, and even more proud of the people who helped make it possible.

They retired from dairy cows in 2009 while continuing to raise cattle and crops. Some of our best memories of Ray are drinking Old Style, his enthusiasm for dancing to Wipe Out (you should have seen those belly bashing moves!), playing football or volleyball in the backyard (elbows included), hanging out with his family, teaching his family how to slaughter and process beef every year, coaching basketball and softball, playing cards (it was never quiet), and somehow adding life to any party he was at (if there was beer). Did you know that duct tape makes great wrapping paper for the grandkids? Electrical tape will work in a pinch. Ray was salt of the earth and made many friends.

His greatest accomplishments cannot be measured only in acres farmed or cows milked. They can be seen in the family he loved, the farm he built, the herd he carefully developed, and the values he passed on to the generations who follow.

After 51 years of early mornings, long days, changing seasons, and countless hours of work, Ray leaves behind a farm that stands as a lasting reminder of his dedication and a family that carries his legacy forward.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Sue; his 5 kids and spouses; 8 grandchildren; siblings; and many other relatives, friends, neighbors, and members of the farming community.

Ray is survived by his sisters, Sharon (Alvia) Lee of Elburn, IL, Arlene "Tink" (Tom) Collins of Tucson, AZ, and Susan Bitson of O'Brien, FL; sister-in-law, Bonnie Ackman; his loving wife Sue; his 5 kids and spouses; and 8 grandchildren will miss having him in their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers David (Diane) Ackman and Timothy Ackman; and his sister Karen Ackman.

A Celebration of Ray's Life will be held at Noon on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorials in Ray's name would be appreciated to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance or the American Red Cross.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Ray's family.

708 S. Main St.

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100