Dr. Albert Henry Raetz, 87, of North Platte, NE, died Thursday, August 15, 2013, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Albert was born November 10, 1925, to Ferdinand John and Vera Belle Stanley Raetz at North Platte where he grew up. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Navy six months later. Following his discharge in 1946 he returned home and worked as a Signal Man for the Union Pacific Railroad. A short time later he attended the Los Angeles School of Optometry, graduating in 1952. Dr. Raetz returned to North Platte where he started his optometry practice. He retired from there in 1987.

On June 3, 1951, Albert married Helen Jean Nelson at Columbus, NE and they made their home in North Platte where they raised their family. He enjoyed golfing at Iron Eagle and playing bridge. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Flatrock Duplicate Bridge Club and had earned his Life Master Duplicate Bridge Certificate.

Albert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen, of North Platte; sons, Albert “Bradley” Raetz (Katherine Casey), of West Palm Beach, FL, and Stanley (Elizabeth) Raetz, of Lincoln, NE; two grandchildren, Sam and Rex Raetz, of Lincoln; two brothers, Gibbs Raetz, of California and Richard (Ruth) Raetz, of Chevy Chase, MD; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Cremation was chosen. Private family inurnment with military honors will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Polly K. Deppen-Williams officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or before service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.