Ray Alfred Ackerman “Sweat Lodge Eagle”, 60, went to start his new life, he died August 28, 2023. He was born in Wolf Point on August 9, 1963 to Wilbert Sr. and Isabelle Ackerman. He had 2 children from a previous relationship, Jade Ackerman and Buckley Ackerman. Then he met the love of his life and soul mate Carmen Welch, from his time with her he had 3 more children, Curtis Bird Hat, Candice Bird Hat and Sloan Follet. Ray loved to play pool, basketball, watch TV, have fun and laugh with his friends. Ray traveled the Powwow circuit with Carmen and their family for many years. Ray met many friends that he took as family on that trail.
He enjoyed visiting with the people that came to the food stand especially the elders. Ray was a very respected man at those powwows everyone enjoyed talking to him. He was always making his family and friends laugh and smile.
Ray worked as a wildland firefighter for many years when he was younger. He started laying fiber optic cable in Wolf Point until the job was completed. Then Ray scored a construction job with Twin Cloud Construction he worked for them for many years until he retired. Ray will be missed by so very many people. He always had a joke or two to tell his friends.
Ray is survived by his love Carmen Welch and his children Jade Heather Ackerman, Buckley Cole Ackerman and Candice Bird Hat; sister Jewel Ackerman and Wanda Ackerman; brothers Floyd Ackerman, Sr and Wilbert Ackerman Jr; his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren too many to name. We are sorry of we left anybody out, it wasn’t intentional.
He is preceded in death by his parents Wilbert Sr and Isabelle Ackerman; his very special grandmother Late Weedy Little Thunder Ackerman; sisters Cordelia Ackerman, Florine Ackerman and Annette Ackerman; brothers Douglas Runs Through and Stanley Ackerman; his two stepsons Curtis Bird Hat, Sloan Follet and a very special granddaughter Cailee Skye Bird Hat.
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