Laura Ackerman

Laura Ann Ackerman, 50, of Mancelona, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, following a brief yet valiant battle with cancer. She was born on April 18, 1976, in Kalkaska, the daughter of Anatolie “Tony” and Dorothy (Schram) Istratoff.

Laura graduated from Mancelona High School in 1994. She babysat for many years while she was raising her son, Kirk. In the early 2000's, she began working at Lamina in Bellaire until she retired in 2026 following her diagnosis. In her free time, she enjoyed tending to the beautiful flower gardens that surrounded her home. She also fed birds year round and spent a lot of time admiring them, especially Cardinals, which were her favorite.

She loved spending time with her family more than anything, especially her dear granddaughter, Tatum, and she held everyone together through the hard times. Laura made friends everywhere she went and cherished time spent with all of them, especially those trips to Florida with Rosie and Catrina.

Laura is survived by her son, Kirk Ackerman (Olivia Rowe) of Mancelona; her mother, Dorothy Istratoff of Mancelona; her life partner, Kelly Countryman of Bellaire; two sisters, Elena (Randy) Broomfield of Mancelona and Nancy (Larry) Linza; her granddaughter Tatum; and two nephews, Jason Ford and Ryan (Cassandra) Hogarth.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tony Istratoff; her sister, Diane Mehlberg; and her high school sweetheart, Jason Ackerman.

A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor David Hiser officiating.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 2:00.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com