Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Memorial Keepers(3)
They manage this memorial. Contact or join
Kurt George Ackermann
1949 - 2023
1949 - 2023
Kurt George Ackermann was born in Orange, New Jersey, on May 17, 1949, to Kurt Horst and Elizabeth Ebel Ackermann. When he was six months old, his parents and his two year old sister, Nancy, moved to Vista, California. He was greatly loved, and taught to be hard-working by his German parents. He loved working on old cars and spending time in the waves surfing. Kurt graduated from Vista High School in 1967. He spent two years at UCSD, then went to work full-time in his father’s sheet-metal manufacturing shop.
In the summer of 1972, he married Josie, the love of his life. Barefoot on the beach, under the setting sun, these two Jesus freaks remained (mostly!) happy and in love for over 51 years!
In 1974 they moved to rural Valley Center where Kurt tended to the property he lovingly called “God’s Country.” Kurt continued his father’s company, Vista Industrial Products, where he dedicated his life to providing his employees with steady, stable jobs. Over the years, Kurt and Josie raised five hard-working, but fun-loving children.
Kurt is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, Josie, his sister, Nancy, his five children Ericha Gretchen (Eric), Heidi (Brandon), Cody (Jessica), Benjamin and Aaron, and nine adorable grandchildren!
Kurt will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and “Opa,” a lover of Jesus, and a caring and dedicated boss. Services will be held at Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA on November 3, 2023 followed by a private family burial at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tim Tebow Foundation (https://timtebowfoundation.org) or to the Osteosarcoma Institute (https://osinst.org).
Events
Create an event page to coordinate a gathering in honor of Kurt
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Kurt’s life with a heartfelt message.
Debbie Carter
I will always remember Kurt as being so dedicated to taking care of his family, and did everything unto His Savior. I remember him working around his house and property, but always taking the time to play a game of pool with the kids, listen to a song someone had learned on the piano, barbecuing at a family gathering, or figuring out a new gadget that someone got for Christmas (my kids called him "Santa" when they were younger.) He always took the time to ask how we were doing, and rarely talked about himself. We will miss him!
Robin Zook
Kurt was always willing to help out with History Co-op! He was a dear man and will be missed by all.
Michelle Pellerito
I began my job in 2013 my first interaction with Kurt he was so loving he welcomed me to the family. Over the years you could see VIP is the heart and soul of Kurt and that the love of his life is Josie his wife. Every morning over the last 5 years we have had countless conversations laughter and tears. He has supported me with his advice his caring nature his devotion and in turn I gave back to him complete loyalty dedication and devotion to his company I am forever grateful to have had Kurt in my life he is truly a second father to me and I will miss him. With love Michelle
Robin Zook
Here is another photo of Kurt. After working hard he made time and effort for his family. This photo was taken at the Christmas Dickens Dinner we attended with our families in Ramona.
Gary Herrera
My condolence expressions far exceed in the memories of a man once lived.. Kurt was not just the owner of a company, he was legendary in his own right to passage. He had the gift to lead with respective stoic compassion and Love of family tradition that extended into all of us. He opened the doors to give a second chance to various associates that otherwise may not have made it in life. For me, Kurt was always there when I needed him most.. for my family, for everything and anything I needed here at VIP, Kurt never failed to come through. I’ve had my fair share of up’s and downs here at VIP but the one Constance in 12 years of employment that I knew I could always count on was Kurt Ackermann.. Kurt was not just my boss, in my humble eyes he was a cherished family friend, will always be one of the greatest, most appreciated leaders that gave of himself unto others and made a difference in all of our lives. May his memory be forever etched in ours, from our VIP family to the entire Ackerman family, Forevermore. Gods Blessings, God Speed to Cody, Family and Friends.. “G”
Bob Collard
There is so much I could say about how I feel about Kurt, but I want to put this in the best way I can, so my experience of knowing and working with him is expressed as sincerely and heartfelt as I can. In a man’s life, if one is lucky enough, you are given the opportunity to get to know someone who, by the nature of their spirit and the actions of their heart, makes you want to be better. Whether Kurt knew it or not, that is exactly how I felt about him. Now that he sees more than the rest of us, I will do what I can to show him some evidence that he did have a lasting impact on my life.
Copyright © 2026 Keeper Memorials, All rights reserved.