Charlene R. Ackerman, Janesville  (1936 - 2009)

April 5, 1936 - September 20, 2009
Charlene R. Ackerman, 73, of Janesville, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Janesville on April 5, 1936, the daughter of Charles and Rachel (Willard) Woodrell. She graduated from Janesville High School in 1953, and married Jack E. Ackerman on April 10, 1959, in Cargill United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on May 2, 2006. After a 15-year career in Real Estate, Charlene embarked on what became her life passion, practicing and teaching hypnosis. She knew at the age of 6, she wanted to become a hypnotist. She had been awarded “Member of the Year” and “Instructor of the Year” with the worlds’ largest hypnosis organization, as well as “International Instructor of the Year” with the International Hypnosis Federation. Her practice expanded on an international level. Charlene was a well-known speaker throughout the USA, and has been referred to as the “Mother of Hypnosis” in Taiwan, where she had taught hypnosis since 1999. Her program “Esteem4Teens” has been extremely well received in colleges there. At the time of her passing she was dedicated to the plight of veterans, past and present, suffering PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). She had written numerous articles on hypnosis, which have been published in several books as well as her book, “Why am I Alive?”. Charlene loved to travel, having traveled well over one million miles.
She is survived by her three children: Mark (Julie) Ackerman and Kurt (Mary) Ackerman, both of Janesville, and Max (Lauree) Ackerman of Mercer; six grandchildren: Nicholas, Lauren, Patrick, Aaron and Graceann Ackerman, all from Janesville, and Michele (Grant) Tolzmann from Danbridge, Tennessee; three great-grandchildren: Jax, Zoe and Evi Tolzmann; two siblings, Madge (Marv) Robertson of Lodi and Harold (Rose) Woodrell of Naples, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at ST. WILLIAM CATHOLIC CHURCH, with Rev. John Auby officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at ST. WILLIAM CATHOLIC CHURCH. Lasting Memorials may be made to St. William Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society. SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family. For online condolences and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.
“Thanks Mom for all you’ve given and all that you will continue to give. You have left us with an example of living life to its fullest and following your dreams. The lives you’ve touched are countless and grateful. We know that you lived for your grandkids, and they will always remember their "goofy" Grandma A. We are so proud of you!"