Albert is survived by his daughters, Connie (Scott) Schaefer of Winfield, KS, and Ruthie (Doak) Ostergard of Gothenburg, NE; son-in-law, Jim Ward of Kearney, NE; sister, Beth Buhlke of Hastings, NE; and brother, Alan (Teri) Chatfield of Leander, TX.
He was a proud grandfather to eight:
- Jeni (Ty) Wallgren of Smith Center, KS
- James (Heidi) Ward of Ashland, NE
- Jared (Amy) Schaefer of Colorado Springs, CO
- Jeff (Molly) Schaefer of St. George, UT
- Kelsi Schaefer of Los Angeles, CA
- Aaron (Tina) Franzen of Omaha, NE
- Lucas Franzen of Colorado Springs, CO
- Alex (Karen) Franzen of Gothenburg, NE
He was a beloved great-grandfather to nineteen:
- Zach (Cierra) Wallgren
- Brock (Kelli) Wallgren
- Jonah and Taytem Coleman
- Ava Ward
- Linley, Avia, Ellis, Etta, Keely, Bowen, Barrett, and Finley Schaefer
- Jase, Jackson, Piper, Kennedi, Sophie, and Oakley Franzen
And he was blessed to meet three great-great-grandchildren:
- Emberleigh, Rigby, and Elizabeth Wallgren
Albert also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Barbara; his daughter, Teresa “Teri” Ward; son, Martin “Marty” Chatfield; infant son, Robert; son-in-law Rod Franzen, and his parents. Sister; Wilma Hopkins, and Brother; Wilson “Chatty” Chatfield.
Albert’s early years were shaped by resilience and a strong sense of responsibility. After the loss of his father in a farming accident, Albert left school in the 8th grade to help work the family farm. In his later years, he fulfilled a personal dream by earning his GED at age 70—walking proudly across the stage in cap and gown, a symbol of his lifelong love of learning. Known for his “word of the week” habit, he truly enjoyed studying the dictionary.
Albert served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman in the South Pacific for four years and continued in the Reserves for six more. It was during this time, while driving a truck through Belleville, KS, that he met the love of his life, Barbara, who was waiting tables at a truck stop. Their love story spanned more than seven decades.
He worked as a line driver with several companies, ultimately staying with Consolidated Freightways for over 35 years, during which he logged more than five million safe driving miles. After retiring, Albert and Barbara enjoyed RV camping across the Midwest with friends, making memories as part of their “Camping Buddies” group.
Albert was known for his love of camping, driving his long-desired vintage 1979 RV, as well as maintaining his yard and garden.
He was a devoted member of the Masonic community, beginning in Wichita, KS, and continuing in Nebraska. His involvement included numerous Masonic lodges and affiliations, such as:
- North Star Lodge #227 Masonic Lodge
- York Rite Bodies Chapter #6, Council #4, Commandery #4
- Scottish Rite 16th & L
- Myrtle Chapter #94 O.E.S.
- York Rite College #138, Fremont, NE
- Red Cross of Constantine & Appendant Orders
- Northstar Lodge #168 & #483 O.E.S., Wichita, KS
- Shriners International
- Knights of the York Cross of Honour #655
Albert also found great meaning in his church community at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, where he and Barbara were faithful members. He took joy in serving through food drives and other church outreach efforts.
Albert’s legacy of love, strength, service, and devotion lives on in the countless lives he touched.
Viewing from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday at Roper and Sons, 4300 O Street, Lincoln, NE.
Celebration of Life for Albert will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 5200 Francis St., Lincoln, NE. Interment at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Livestream of the Celebration of Life may be accessed on Zoom. Meeting ID: 780-509-0127
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Care Foundation/The Susie Collins Hospice House in Gothenburg, NE, or Fourth Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, NE.