Arnold Albrecht

Arnold John Henry Albrecht died Monday, July 15, 2019 with family at his bedside.  His 95 year good life will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Friday, July 19, 2019 at First Lutheran Church of Mandan, with Rev. Christina Martin officiating.  Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Arnold was born October 21, 1923 in Judson, ND to John Henry and Luise Albrecht.  Life was particularly difficult during this time in our state and nation’s history, but was even more difficult for the Albrecht family because John Henry, Arnold’s father, died when Arnold was 5 years old.  Arnold’s sister, Hildegard, and Helmut, his brother, along with their mother, farmed the land they owned, milked some cows, raised pigs and chickens, and did their best to survive.  Arnold was particularly close to his uncles and aunts during this time and in later years supported them in kind.

Meeting the love of his life, Shirley Johnson, at a dance in the Judson area proved to be a great union.  They married May 28, 1949 at First Lutheran Church on 1 ^st Street in Mandan.  To this union a daughter, Claudia, and a son, Clayton, were born and were always loved, protected, and nurtured throughout their lives.  Arnold and Shirley and family lived and farmed in Judson until 1956 when they moved to Mandan and were loyal to the community until health issues forced them to move to retirement and nursing home facilities.

Judson was a close-knit community and Arnold had many great relationships with friends and relatives.  In fact, Helmut and Arnold played for the infamous Judson Ball Team during the 40’s and 50’s.  Those were the days when Arnold’s children sat in the car and beeped the horn when he made a hit and brought in a run.  Arnold always loved baseball and was loyal to the New York Yankees in good and bad times.

Arnold graduated from Judson High School and went to Capital Commercial College for 2 years and worked for Delzer Construction Company in Bismarck for Reinhold Delzer, Jerome Delzer, and Dennis Delzer for over 20 years.  After retiring from Delzer Construction, Arnold worked as a realtor for Bianco Real Estate Company.

Church life was very important to Arnold and Shirley and their family.  Arnold’s children remember praying the Lord’s Prayer after breakfast on the farm in Judson.  After Shirley and Arnold moved to Mandan, First Lutheran Church played an important part in their lives.  Arnold was on the church council and served as treasurer for First Lutheran Church as well.  He and Shirley formed many close relationships through First Lutheran Church over the years.

Shirley and Arnold have two children:  a daughter, Claudia, married to Gary Tomanek and a son, Clayton, married to Carla (Friedt).  Family was an important part of their lives and they enjoyed their children, grandchildren and their spouses, and their great grandchildren that spent many holidays and special events together.  Arnold’s beloved grandchildren and their spouses include:  Jason and Kimberley Tomanek, Jennifer and Dallas Scheet, Michael and Cassia Albrecht, Mark and Noel Albrecht, David and Eve Albrecht, and Daniel and Kinsey Albrecht. Riding horse in his early years was a pastime for Arnold and Helmut and later Arnold took special joy in riding horse with his grandchildren out at Fort Lincoln Foundation.   His very special great grandchildren include:  Olivia and Jaxon Tomanek, Scarlett and Evelynn Scheet, Cia, Jovi, Jax, and Qwen Albrecht, Alex and Ivory Albrecht, and Judson, Finley, and Taylor Albrecht.

Arnold also leaves his brother and sister-in law Helmut and JoAnn Albrecht of Jamestown.   Also surviving him are his nephews Craig Giese, Bryan Giese, and Dennis Johnson.  Surviving nieces include Jerilyn Tomanek, Betty Ann Robinson, Gloria Weaver, Debra Johnson, and Jamie Johnson.

Meeting him in heaven will be his grandparents:  John Henry and Sophia Albrecht, Anna Babette, and Johann Koenig, his Mother and Dad, John Henry and Luise Albrecht,  his sister, Hildegard and Archie Giese, his sisters-in-law, Florence Albrecht, Bunny and Art Johnson,  Lorraine and Roy Johnson, and Boyd and Gladys Sorbo, his niece, Debra Albrecht, and his nephews, Glenn Giese, Tim Albrecht, and Terry Johnson.

Donations and memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church of Mandan or the donor’s choice.