Erna A. Akkerman, 86, of Austin, Minn. died Sunday, April 15, 2012, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Erna A. Benson was born July 18, 1925, in Dodge County, Minnesota, the daughter of Albin J. and Emma J. (Tiegen) Benson. She attended rural school near Oslo, Minn. Erna was married to Elmer C. Akkerman on Feb. 28, 1948, at Sioux Falls, S.D. The Akkermans lived in the Austin area. Erna was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church where she was active with WELCA and in circle.

Erna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmer, brother Gilmer Benson and sister Norma Johnson.

She is survived by a son, Charles D. Akkerman, Austin; daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Greg Goodnature, Billings, Mont., Rhonda and Brian Waller, Northwood, Iowa; eight-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with another great-grandson soon to be born; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 2012, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with the Rev. Karen Behling officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday for one hour before the service. The family prefers memorials to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or to the donor’s choice.