Ernie Albertsen, 101, of West Point, died Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Colonial Haven in Beemer. Memorial service will be 11:00am on Wednesday, July 24 at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Priscilla Hukki officiating. Lunch will follow at the church hall. Private family inurnment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Stokely Funeral Home in West Point. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.
Ernie Mabel Viola Priebnow Albertsen was born on September 10,1922 at her home southeast of West Point to William and Pauline Krienke Priebnow. Ernie was baptized and confirmed at Evangelical United Brethren Church in West Point. Ernie attended grade school at rural school districts #65 and #27 and she graduated from West Point Public High School in 1939. ln 2019 she attended her 80th alumni banquet.
After graduation, Ernie worked a short time in Omaha but she had to return home to ard help out there. Besides helping on the family farm she helped young mothers with their newborn babies and kept house for them. Other jobs Ernie held were at Vogltance Grocery and the First National Bank.
Ernie met the love of her life, Harold Albertsen, at the popcorn stand on Main Street in West Point. Harold asked her to a dance but she was hesitant and said she would just meet him there. lt all worked out and they were married on April 24, 1947. Harold and Ernie were married for 70 wonderful years.
After raising their 3 children, Ernie went back to work at Yarger Jewelry for 13 years before retiring. During her life, Ernie was a Girl Scout leader, Red Cross volunteer, served on the election board, taught Sunday School and Bible School and also served on many church committees. Ernie enjoyed playing cards, dancing and sewing. She made almost all her daughters’ clothes while they were growing up which included cheerleading outfits, prom dresses and both of their wedding dresses and their bridesmaid dresses. She also made drapes for many people in West Point.
Ernie and Harold also loved to travel. They enjoyed traveling to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and Paris, France.
Ernie was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, in 2017; parents, William and Pauline Priebnow; brothers, Herman, Arnold and Richard Priebnow; nieces, Mary Lou Kindschuh and Linda Priebnow; and nephew, Bill Priebnow.
Survivors include her children and their families:
Son-Craig and Mary Sue Albertsen of Littleton, CO and family-
Brian Albertsen of Highlands Ranch, CO
Kari (Eric) Tucker of Highlands Ranch, CO and twin boys, Holden and Trey
Brent (Amanda) Albertsen of Knoxville, TN and children, Blake and Julia
Jeff (Hillary) Albertsen of McKinney, TX and children, Parker and John
Daughter-Peggy and Randy Schmader of Wichita Falls, TX and family-
Laurie (Dan) Venuto of Austin, TX and children, Jake and Josh
Brian Schmader of lowa Park, TX and son, Coyt
Kristin (Michael) Lambert of Wichita Falls, TX and children, Evan and Lydia
John Schmader of Wichita Falls, TX and children, Jett and Jentry
Daughter-Carol and Larry Wiechman of West Point, NE and family-
Jill (Tanner) Simmons of Gordon, NE and children, Brayden, Paxton, and Grant
Holly (Matthew) Whitney of Council Bluffs, lA and children, Emery and Hudson
Nicole (Matthew) Goliber of Elkhorn, NE and children, Macie, Cooper, Molly and Carter
Julie (Brandon) Meier of Seward, NE and children, Harper and Keegan