Thomas Edward Alberts

Thomas Edward Alberts was born May 2, 1961 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Lavern and Mary Jean Alberts. Tom grew up in Denison, and graduated from Denison High School in 1979, where he enjoyed playing sports, and the tuba. After graduation, he moved to Fairmont Minnesota, and was employed at Weigh-Tronix. In 1983, Tom returned to Denison where he worked for a plumbing and heating business, and later earned a living as a painter. In October of 1991, Tom traveled to San Antonio, Texas and worked at Clearview Services and on an exotic animal farm. In 1998, Tom returned to Denison and was employed at Farmland.His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, and leather tooling. He enjoyed reading, watching movies and all star wrestling, and playing cards. Tom told a joke well and got such a kick out of making people laugh. He was a friend to many. He had been known to literally give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He was a very loyal man. His shining star was his daughter, Megan, whom he loved dearly. He also cared deeply for his family, extended family, and friends. He was a jolly old soul and a merry old soul was he.Tom died Saturday evening, August 28, 2010, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 49 years, 3 months and 26 days.He was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Margaret Shonka, Alton and Helen Alberts, as well as aunts and uncles Barbara Phelps, Judy Kline, Rosalie and Jim McCain.Tom is survived by companion Rhonda Ohl, and his daughter Megan Lemon. He is also survived by his parents Lavern and Jeannie Alberts, by his siblings Cathy and Roger Kruse, Lisa and Steve Steele, Margaret Alberts, and William and Veronica Alberts, and by nephews Jeremy Steele, Ben Kruse, and Joshua Alberts as well as nieces Jennifer Hunter, Jessica Steele, and Katie Kruse, and dogs Kiko and ¬¬¬¬¬Gizmo. Tom will be greatly missed.Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, Iowa, with Father Timothy Friedrichsen as Celebrant. Others participating in the Mass included Servers: Jaden Heiden and Matt Kanne; Lector: Margaret Alberts; Gift Bearers: Roger and Cathy Kruse; and Eucharistic Ministers: Ron and Barb Songer and Ann Klein. Music for the Mass was provided by the St. Rose of Lima Adult Choir singing “Here I Am Lord”, “Amazing Grace”, “On Eagles Wings” and “Be Not Afraid” with Jean Cornelius as accompanist. Pallbearers included Ben Kruse, Jeremy Steele, Jim Remmes, Ned Ahart, Jeff Naeve, Keith Groth, Jim Phelps and Danny Phelps. Following the Mass, Cremation Rites were accorded and a private family inurnment was held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Denison with Father Paul Kelly officiating. Immediately following the funeral Mass the family invited everyone to join them at the Parish Center for fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the St. Rose of Lima Ladies Guild. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , in Denison was in charge of arrangements.