Sanders M. Ackerberg Obituary (1923 - 2009)

Sanders M. Ackerberg, age 85 of Plymouth, passed away Dec. 17, 2009. For almost 86 years Sanders “Sandy” Ackerberg embraced and loved life. Born in Minneapolis in 1923, he was a quiet child who chose to excel. As a young man he was a self-taught pianist and an exceptionally gifted artist, and art remained a passion he enjoyed throughout his life. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota following his service in the 7th Army Air Corps during WWII. Sandy enlisted at the age of eighteen, and became a flight instructor and decorated pilot. He flew B24 bomber missions in the southwestern Pacific. After the war, he continued to maintain contact with his “flying fortress” crew. Their camaraderie and bonds of friendship endured throughout the following sixty years when they reunited. Flying became another of his lifelong passions. Sandy flew his Cessna 210 for over 40 years, forever marveling in the beauty and serenity of flight. Equally comfortable on water, he was an accomplished yachtsman, one of the founding members and a former Vice Commodore of the Wayzata Yacht Club. Sandy’s professional career as an architect and real estate developer was a source of tremendous pride for him. He was a highly skilled and sought after architect. His firm, Ackerberg and Associates, designed and built homes, hospitals, apartments, banks and office buildings all over the country from Hyannis, Massachusetts to San Diego, California and from Texas to throughout the Twin Cities. He was at the forefront of modernist architectural design in downtown Minneapolis when in 1962, his firm completed the Capp Towers Hotel (now The Millennium Hotel) at the corner of 13th and Hennepin. The property, with a pool and domed cocktail lounge on the top floor, was the gem of downtown when it opened. His unwavering dedication to excellence produced many projects that are still admired today. Sandy’s most enduring personal quality was his genuine interest in and concern for all persons he came into contact with. He absolutely loved to engage others in conversation, and it made no difference if the person was a CEO, a bank president, a client or a store clerk, parking lot attendant, brick layer, plumber or a student at the Minneapolis Community College. He had a unique ability to connect with people. Everyone instantly liked Sandy and frequently sought out his advice and opinions. He made friends from all walks of life, and he nurtured those relationships, often over the course of many years. It was his belief in the potential of all persons and his commitment to education that brought Sandy to the Foundation Board of the Minneapolis Community College where he served as president. He was also active in the Jewish community and a member for more than 50 years of both the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Freemasons. Sandy was a true gentleman. There is no doubt the world has been left a better place because of his presence. He lived a complete, compassionate and contributory life. He will be remembered and missed by all those who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn and his three children, Shelley Patton (Brad), Abbey Thorne (Gary) and Alan Ackerberg (Gail Dorfman) and his seven grandchildren Sanders, Charlie and Amy Patton, Greg and Amanda Thorne, Sam and Ariane Ackerberg. His canine companions Lahti, Bailey and Zeva. A heartfelt thank you to his wonderful caregivers, Kathy, Krista, Lesly, Michelle and Peggy. Funeral service SUNDAY 10 AM, TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2324 Emerson Ave. So., Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring the life of Sanders Ackerberg may be made to the Minneapolis Community College Foundation program or to Temple Israel. The family will be receiving friends and sitting SHIVA, Sunday and Monday 6 PM at 18900 12th Ave. No., Plymouth 55447