Albert F. Olberding Jr., 80, passed away on July 7, 2024, at Life Care Center of Seneca nursing home in Seneca, Kansas surrounded by his family.

Albert, fondly known as Jr. or Bert, was born on March 6, 1944, to Albert F. Sr. and Emma (Runnebaum) Olberding at the family home in St. Benedict, Kansas. He attended St. Benedict schools. After graduating from high school in 1962, Albert worked on the family farm outside of St. Benedict with his mother and father. He proudly continued farming the Olberding homestead founded by his grandfather in 1893. On the farm, they ran a dairy, farmed crops, and raised other livestock.

Albert married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” J. (Bowhay) on May 9, 1970 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. By this sacramental marriage, five children were born; three daughters, Michele (Richard Jr.) Dugan of St. George, Kansas, twins Mary Ann (1973), and Monica (Toby) Countryman of Quinter, Kansas, and two sons Ryan (Holly) Olberding of Wamego, Kansas, and Gerard (Megan) of St. Benedict, Kansas. The couple raised their children on the family dairy farm.

Albert retired from milking in 2004. Albert was also a successful seed salesman for Garst Seed Company from 1983-2002. From his selling successes, he was awarded trips to Hawaii and Florida. He then began a career at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital working in the housekeeping department. He retired from the hospital in 2011.

As an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the Parish Council, was a Eucharistic minister, and taught religion classes to youth. Albert was a true man of faith and truly loved his Catholic faith. He was proud that he served at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for many years in his youth Education was important to Albert, as he spearheaded getting air conditioning into the St. Benedict elementary/junior high schools. He enjoyed going to parent-teacher conferences too much, but most of all he enjoyed going to all his children’s sporting events, cheering loudly from the stands. He loved caring for his cattle, naming each of his Dollie’s, gardening, having beautiful flower beds, and vacationing on his many bus trips. He was also a project leader for his children’s 4-H club. He loved his sports from a pick-up game before chores, to cheering for the B&B Falcons, KSU, KU, WSU, Royals, and Chiefs.

Albert never knew a stranger and would always find the good in people. He was a doting grandfather to nine loving grandchildren: Spencer (Grace) Dugan and Grant Dugan, both of Manhattan, Kansas, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn, and Kade Countryman of Quinter, Kansas, Kyra and Brady Olberding of Wamego, Kansas and Jaci and Tessa Olberding of St. Benedict, Kansas. Albert’s smile, shoulder chuckle, sense of humor, and quick wit will be greatly missed.

Albert is preceded in death by his parents Albert Sr. and Emma Olberding, his daughter Mary Ann Olberding, and his sister Teresa Olberding (1941).

A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville.  The cemetery burial at St. Benedict, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, Kansas, or Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.