Allen John Ackland

Allen John Ackland, 74 passed away peacefully at BridgeWater at Janesville on March 22, 2023 with his family by his side.

Allen was born June 12, 1948 in Siren, Wisconsin to Donald Eldridge Ackland and Dorothy Ann (Thompson) Ackland. Allen is also known to those who loved him as Al, Alvie, Pappy, Papa Al, “Papa Akins,” and Big Al. Allen graduated from the Southern School of Agriculture in 1966 and attended Mankato State University.

Al married Nancy Duffey in December 1968, they had two daughters together, Laura and Heather. They had lost their first child, Grace, late in pregnancy. They later divorced in 1980.

Allen later married Felice Kelly in October 1987. He had 2 step-children through this marriage, Mike and Felicia, and had later raised their grand-daughter, Meilani, in their home. They had many cats throughout the years who were treated like royalty, Baboo, Mr. T, and Nala Niko. 

Al had a successful career owning his own company (Ackland Financial) selling insurance products. He ran several businesses including Photo USA, NSA, and Ackland Financial.

Al never really retired. He kept up to date his licensure and certifications to the end, although he was not actively pursuing new business. He enjoyed being very organized and always ready to take on a new adventure. Allen and Felice enjoyed traveling to many places, often on business.

Throughout Al’s lifetime, he was forever a “salesman at heart” who loved working with people and getting the deal done.  He always put 100% into whatever product he was promoting at the time.

Allen was a lover of his “critters.” He took care of the squirrels, birds, and anything else in the neighborhood that came around for a bite to eat. Al loved to run in his earlier years and long walks later in life. His favorite walking companion while working in Chicago was Pudge the dog.

Allen is survived by his daughters, Laura Butler (Scott) of Plymouth and Heather Bass (Brad) of Madison Lake; step-daughter, Felicia Kelly of Anoka, MN and step-son, Michael Kelly (Lori) of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Elizabeth Bass (fiancée Dillon), Charles Bass, Meredith Butler, and Natalie Butler; step-grandchildren, Michael Kelly, Rebecca Kelly (fiancée Dylan) and Meilani Felix; siblings; Marcy Thurber (Gary), Brian Ackland (special friend Patti), Donna Neumann (Jerry); loving nephews; many dear friends, and neighbors. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Felice; brother, Lealand; infant child, Grace; longtime friends, Bill Montag and Dr. Shel Slodki; special fur baby, Nala; and many other pets throughout the years.

The family of Allen Ackland would like to thank St. Croix hospice team, the BridgeWater at Janesville and BridgeWater at Owatonna staff for all their love and care they provided to him.

A celebration of life and luncheon will be held at the Mankato Golf Club, 100 Augusta Drive, Mankato on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 11am-1pm.

Please direct memorials to the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society.

Allen will be forever loved and missed.