Emil Charles Alberts, 79, resident of Gothenburg, NE, died June 26, 2013 at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital.

He was born August 15, 1933 on the family farm north of Gothenburg, NE, son of Charlie and Hilway (Haddad) Alberts.

Emil graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1951. On November 3, 1955, he joined the army and served his country until he was honorable discharged on June 26, 1957.

On January 18, 1973, Emil married Lois Vickers at the First United Methodist Church in Gothenburg, NE.

In 2005 Emil was elected into the Dawson CO. Cattleman Hall of Fame, for his life long dedication to his herd of high-quality Hereford and crossbred cattle.

Emil was always proud that he was born on his dad’s farm north of Gothenburg and was able to live there all his life except for the two years he spent in the service, stationed in Germany. He loved to work with cattle and trapping. He had a special place in his heart for his horses, especially Babe and Joker, and his dogs, Spotty, Daisy, Honey. Emil had a green thumb, and was known as the Watermelon Man to many as well as his home grown cantaloupe. Emil was a faithful giver of blood to the Red Cross until they could no longer find a vein, at last tally he was over 13 gallons donated.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Lois Alberts, step-daughters, Shirley Logan, Karen Mann, Janet Jenkins all of Gothenburg, NE; brother, George C.(Rosemary) Alberts of Gothenburg, NE; sister, Bessie (Tony) Shada of Kearney, NE; sister-in-law Cleta Alberts of Aurora, NE; nephews Mark Alberts, Mike Alberts, Dan Alberts, David Shada, Gary Shada; nieces Cindy Burns, Cheryl Irwin, Mary Rivett, Toni Ann Jackson; six step-grandchildren, 15 step- great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents, Hilway and Charlie Alberts, brothers Jesse Alberts, Alfred Alberts, Johnny Alberts, nephew, Lane Alberts, and step-son Mike Jenkins.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Sunday, June 30, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the family present from 2-4pm..

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, July 1, 2013 at 10:30 am, with Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating.

Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.