Chad M. Ackerland, 44, Crookston, MN, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2019 of natural causes at Riverview Health Center, Crookston.

Chad Michael Ackerland was born on December 10, 1972 the son of Robert and Margaret (Kiefel) Ackerland in Kokomo, IN.  He  lived in Duluth, MN and Crookston, MN, where he was living at the time of his passing.

Chad loved anything to do with Elvis, music, movies and memorabilia and was able to travel and enjoyed going to the lake and fishing on the pontoon. He was a happy person who had many friends and could always be counted upon to smile and enjoy whatever activity he was involved in. Chad had a way of lighting up any room he walked into, he like to call everyone "honey". He was a very compassionate person and cared about those around them, often saying "I love you" to those closest to him.

Chad retired from working but continued going to the day activity center. Chad was very social and participated in the leisure activity program for many years. Recently, he started working again, spreading paper to "earn a paycheck". He understood the value of a dollar and enjoyed earning a paycheck.

Chad also participated in social and leisure activities in the community including Special Olympics while at Soaring Eagles. Chad was able to travel and enjoyed going to the lake and fishing on the pontoon. He enjoyed going out to eat, concerts, WWE and many other events in the community. His home at Soaring Eagles was a favorite place for him to be. Christmas was his favorite time of year. So much so he had taken to having his Christmas tree up in his room all year round.

Chad is survived by his mother, Margaret Kvernen and step-father, Darrell Kvernen, East Grand Forks, MN; brothers, Paul Ackerland, Thief River Falls, MN, Tom (Kim) Ackerland, East Grand Forks, MN, Shane (Kristina) Black, Grand Forks, ND; a step-brother, Shawn (Kristi) Kvernen, San Antonio TX.

We would like to extend a special and sincere thank you to all of those who have helped to care for Chad throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Special Olympics program at Crookston /Grand Forks.

Funeral Liturgy: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019 in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel, 2950 S. Washington St., Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the funeral home on Saturday.
Interment: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND, in the spring.