Harald Wilhelm Ackermann and Jan M'Lon Rebecca "Gibbons" Ackermann

A memorial service for Harald and Jan will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 11:30 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5620 E. Adobe Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205. Prior to the memorial service will be a graveside service at 10:45 AM at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206.

Jan M'Lon Rebecca "Gibbons" Ackermann, age 74, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Jan was born April 13, 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Harald Wilhelm Ackermann, age 78, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022. Harald was born November 20, 1943 in Ottersbergs, Germany.

Harald Wilhelm Ackermann and Jan M'Lon gibbons Ackermann were inseparable upon finding each other. They were married for almost 39 years, loyal and devoted to each other. Herald was born in Ottersberg, Verden, Germany, November 20, 1943 and experienced first-hand the aftermath and devastation of WWII. This experience had a profound effect on him to seek truth and highly value personal freedom of choice. No doubt this spurred his interest in psychology and the understanding of the culture and family experience on the personal decisions we all make, often not realizing how these factors influence our choices. As a young man in Germany he became acquainted with the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found a likeminded culture that valued freedom and personal choice but also welcomed personally seeking after God and his will for each individual.

He served 2 years in the German air force as an officer after completing high school in Germany followed by a two year mission to Britain when the physical and psychological wounds suffered by the British people because of WWII were still very much open and painful. He then immigrated to the US becoming a naturalized citizen in 1977. He attended Brigham Young University from which he received a Masters in Clinical Psychology and had employment in Church Social Services as a counselor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eventually, Harald transitioned to management and worked at various facilities that provided care for those needing assisted living and memory care.

This was ironic because years later Harald himself began to exhibit the signs of devastating dementia.

Jan's life experiences drew her to Harald and she admired and respected "his mind" and she found a kindred spirit to converse with for long periods of time and at much depth. Jan attended the original Scottsdale High School and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. She had a wonderful gift for writing, music and loved to read. She pursued a nursing degree at Brigham Young University but did not become acquainted with Harald until moving back east and while living in Laurel, Maryland. When there she attended a lecture given by Harald and was smitten by his mind. A platonic relationship blossomed into love and they were married in the Washington D.C. Temple on July 27, 1983. They spent many years making there relationship even more meaningful and deeply intertwined. This is especially evidenced by the events of there final years. As Harald declined from the ravaging effects of dementia, he would sometime become agitated. The last two years this became especially profound and when it was determined that he would need special care in a memory care facility which Jan did not require, she voluntarily decided to join him there because her presence helped Harald feel calmer and more secure. She "refused to abandon him" as she said many times. As Jan's medical health declined she simply became more tired and often as Harald was asleep in bed at the memory care facility, Jan could be found next to him just simply holding his hand. As Harald experienced a deepening dementia, it was determined he would need to be placed in another facility where he would receive additional behavioral care. Jan was told she would not be allowed to be with him. We are convinced that when Jan realized that she would not be able to accompany Harald, she was ready to return to out Heavenly Father and in the early morning hours on May 1, 2022, Jan passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Harald was moved to a psychiatric/medical hospital for evaluation and treatment. The medical and nursing staff chose not to inform Harald of Jan's passing. Harald's son Tyson flew out from his home in Virginia and spent the day and evening sitting and sleeping in the room by his father. Harald was able to cognitively acknowledge Tyson's presence as well as to comprehend the news and photos of Harald's grandson born just 6 months prior. Tyson had the wisdom and beautiful words which no one else had. when Harald asked about Jan, Tyson told him she is with the Lord and you can be with her if you want. The following morning on May 23, 2022, Harald passed away peacefully in his sleep, just like Jan.

Harald is survived by his son, Tyson, and daughters Heidi, Bettina and Michelle. Jan is survived by daughter Jerusha, her mother Ruth LeVitre Gibbons and brother Junius, Alen and Dale, as well as, sisters Athene, Sharri, and Alecia and Jeshelle; and 7 wonderful grandchildren and 1 great grandchild

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Ackermann family.