Gary R. Alberts, 87, of Hildreth, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Bethany Home in Minden, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth with Rev. Caroline Schenk officiating. The service will be streamed to the church's Facebook and YouTube pages. Interment with military honors will be held following the service at the Hildreth Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth. Memorials in Gary's honor are kindly suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth or to the Hildreth Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Gary Richard Alberts was born May 25, 1937 at Brewster Hospital in Holdrege to Albert W. and Ethel M. (Knapp) Alberts. He was baptized June 29, 1937 by Pastor R.P. Schultz and confirmed by Pastor A.J. Frost at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hildreth. He was raised north of Hildreth in the Keene area and attended Minden Public Schools, graduating May 19, 1955. Following graduation, he attended UNL and Kearney State College. During this time, he served in the Air National Guard from 1956-1962.

He married Sheralynn J. Hemje on December 31, 1961 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, south of Hildreth. They were blessed with four children: Millie, Mardy, Matthew, and Marilyn.

Gary farmed in the Keene area until his retirement, when he built a new home in Hildreth and moved into town in May of 2002. Gary was active in St. Paul Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and offering his help in various ways. He later became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth.
Gary was talented in many areas besides farming. His skills as a mechanic, carpenter, welder, and jack-of-all trades were much admired by his family and friends. He liked to create and take on challenging projects, including a floor to ceiling tile mosaic of Herbie Husker. Many guests in their home had photos taken with Herbie. Gary loved his family, and took great joy in spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Millie (Dale) Schenk of Hildreth, Mardy Alberts of Minden, and Matt (Brenda) Alberts of Axtell; son-in-law, Jim Reier of Kearney; grandchildren, Christopher (Ashley) Schenk, Tyler (Caroline) Schenk, Sydney Alberts, Paul (Emily) Carlson, Ben (Aliese) Alberts, Robin Carlson (fiancé Trey Thompson), and Grant Alberts; great-grandchildren, Carson Schenk and Maverick DeLaet; brother, Alan (Karen) Alberts of Hildreth; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheralynn Alberts; daughter, Marilyn Reier; parents; sisters, LaVonne Portz and Marilyn Smith.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .