in 1920, åkerman married thyra sellén (1899–1988), the daughter of professor, lieutenant colonel nils sellén and ragnhild frisk. he was the father of joachim (1921–1994), elsie (born 1923) and thyra (born 1926). åkerman died on 23 june 1981 and was buried 6 october 1981 in norra begravningsplatsen in stockholm.