Nicholaas Carel Akemann

Nicolaas Carel Petrus Akemann (January 10, 1932 to December 10, 2020) South Lyon, Michigan, age 88, died peacefully Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Ascension Hospital Novi, with his wife Karen Temmen Akemann, and son Victor F. Akemann, along with many of his family virtually by his side. Nico, as he was known and loved, was born in the Village of Loosduinen, Netherlands, on January 10, 1932, the son of Nicolaas Jacobus and Maria Hendrika Martina (van Gaalen) Akemann.  His life was strongly influenced by his upbringing in German-occupied Netherlands during World War II and the Hongerwinter (hunger winter) Dutch famine.  After graduating from the technical school, Ambachtsschool aan de De La Reywegin, in 1948, he took his new found love of working with his hands to various jobs before his conscription in the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1952. During this time, the Netherlands and all of Europe were still recovering from the ravages of war, but not fast enough for restless Nico. Stories he heard of America from co-workers filled his head with dreams of a better life for him and his new love, Lilian Maria Verleije. The two married on July 4, 1956. As a young couple wanting to provide the best life for themselves and their newborn son, Marcelino, they booked a flight to the United States. With less than a hundred dollars and whatever they could carry in their suitcases, they landed in New York on February 22, 1957 to begin their life together. Four more beautiful children – Victor, Maximillian, Nicole, and Dmitri were born between 1958 – 1965 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1974 the couple moved to South Lyon, Michigan following a career promotion in the auto-industry. After 38 years at American Motors, Renault, Chrysler and Jeep, Nico retired from the workforce having led an extensive career. Nico, with Lilian by his side, stood up for justice and civil rights throughout their lives and worked towards their shared dream of ending poverty in the world. They carved out their beautiful lives for almost 54 years. Lilian succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease in May 2010. On May 19, 2013, Nico married the second love of his life, Karen Marie Temmen who was by his side until the end of his life. They adopted each others’ family as if they were always there in their lives. It was so clear the two families loved Nico and Karen. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lilian; his first son, Marcelino (Coleen); his brother, Johannes aka: Joop (Adriana); and sister Maria aka: Miep (Jan). He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Victor (Beth), Maximillian (Alexandra), Nicole (Alan), and Dmitri; 10 grandchildren, Camille, Forrest, River, Nico, Leif, Berkeley, Zolee, Ian, Shane and Austin; two great grandchildren, Kai and Caison; and his siblings in The Netherlands, Carel (Ute) and Anthonia aka: Toinni (Wim); along with two step children and 10 step grandchildren. Nicolaas Akemann’s strongest belief was that all people strive to be the best. That spirit is felt and carried on by all those who knew him. Funeral services provided by Herrmann Funeral Home in Fowlerville, MI. The family will have a private visitation this week and a Celebration of Life at a later date. We invite friends and family to share memories/tributes at: https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/NicolaasAkemann/ and the funeral memorial site. Memorial donations can be made in his name to the St. Jude Children's Fund, a foundation he was most passionate about.  

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