Albert Fritz Langenberg

Funeral services for Albert F. Langenberg will be held on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska with Reverend Dale Hedstrom and Reverend Kenton Birtell officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Bertand.

Albert Fritz Langenberg, 91 years of age, of Bertrand, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege, Nebraska. Albert was born June 1, 1920 in Ulen, Minnesota, the ninth of thirteen children born to Henry Herman Wilhem and Dora Maria Margaretha (Kohler) Langenberg. At the age of 2 ½ years, he and his family moved to Harlan County, Nebraska living in the Atlanta area. Albert attended the Uplund School Dist. #63 for seven years until the family moved to south of Bertrand in Phelps County, where he received his education at the West Sunny Side School Dist. #1.

Albert farmed for family and area farmers. At the age of 17 he joined the CCC planting many trees in the Halsey Forest. In 1942 he was inducted into the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1943.

Albert then lived in the Rock Falls area south of Bertrand. Winter months consisted of cutting ice blocks from the creek for area iceboxes and icehouses.

Albert was baptized as an infant in Minnesota and was then confirmed on May 21, 1939 in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bertrand, where he was still a member.

On October 18, 1944 Albert was united in marriage to Norma June Way in Norton, Kansas and to this union four children were born: Larry, Bryce and twins: Connie and Donnie. The family made their home south of Bertrand from 1944 to 1946, where Albert worked for area farmers. They lived southeast of Elwood for a year and then in March of 1947 they purchased a farm five miles south and ¾ mile west of Holdrege, where they lived and farmed until December 1955. After they sold this farm the family moved into Holdrege, where Albert worked as a carpenter for Harold Woodring. In April of 1957 the family moved to Bertrand, where he worked as a mechanic for Art Canada's John Deere dealership. While working for Art he also drove the school bus for many years enjoying the kids on the route. In 1973 he went to work for the Bertrand Schools as a custodian until his retirement in 1986.

Albert enjoyed woodworking, mowing lawns, working on lawn mowers, spending much time helping at his son's and later grandson's convenience store being their "Mr. Handyman." He felt much peace and enjoyment in the country as he mowed his cousin Caroline's yard on the riding mower. He loved going for rides with his wife in the country looking at the crops and enjoying the area wildlife. His face would light up whenever seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought him such a special joy.

In February 2009 they sold their home in Bertrand and moved into Chrisoma West Assisted Living in Holdrege. In 2011 he moved into the Christian Homes Care Community.

Besides his parents, Albert was preceded in death by five sisters: Lina in infancy, Clara Michel, Anna Ebmeier, Laura Johnson, Helen Michel; five brothers: Harold, Irvin, Lester, Henry Langenberg and one in infancy; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Norma of Holdrege; three sons: Larry Langenberg and his wife, Joyce of Bertrand, Bryce Langenberg of Bertrand, Don Langenberg and his wife, Cheryl of Holdrege, one daughter, Connie Dodson and her husband, Jerry of Holdrege; six grandchildren: Shawn Dodson and his wife, Carolyn of Bertrand, Kevin Dodson and his wife, Molly of Olathe, Kansas, Angie Dodson and her finace, Randy Kibbon of Ingleside, Texas, Michael Langenberg and his wife, Jessica of Lincoln, Nebraska, Matthew Langenberg of Bertrand, Brett Langenberg of Atlanta, Georgia; one step-grandchild, Shawn Peterson of Fountain, Colorado; five great-grandchildren: Ellery Langenberg, Garrett, Brandon, Kaylee and Halle Dodson; two step great-grandchildren: Ashley and Cody Peterson; two sisters: Dorothy and Agnes Langenberg both of Holdrege; three sisters-in-law: Shirley Robb and her husband, Gary of Kearney, Nebraska, Vira Way of Bertrand, Ilene Way of Springfield, Oregon; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sandstrom Funeral Home in Bertrand, with the family greeting friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Christian Homes Care Community.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Sandstrom Funeral Home in Bertrand is in charge of the arrangements.