98
Dell Rapids, SD
Saturday, March 7
The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together.” – Matthew 25:23
Violet was born in Dell Rapids on October 27, 1921, to Henry and Etta Leuning. She had a full childhood, complete with run-ins with barbed wire fences, beloved dolls and the adventures of being the youngest of six children, John, Florence, Ed, Mabel, Harvey and herself (she remembered fondly being tasked with helping her brothers put caps on the beer they brewed!).
On October 8, 1939, Violet married Johann “Joe” Friedrich Alberts of Amherst, and thus began a marriage that would span almost 60 years and give her one of the greatest joys of her long life; her three children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She and Joe farmed an acreage north of Dell Rapids until they moved into town in 1993.
Her 98 years on this earth gave her family and friends much to remember; the joy of a warm slice of fresh bread, her love of jokes and infectious smile, her incredibly sharp memory (and ability to tell us about it!) and her deep and abiding love for her church and family.
Enjoying coffee with her in Heaven today are her husband, Joe; her daughter, Carol (Cooper); her grandson, Mark Alberts; three brothers; two sisters and a Lord she has loved faithfully throughout her life.
Grateful to have shared her life are those who survive her; her son, Darrel (Jan) Alberts of Sun Prairie, Wisc.; her daughter Sharon (Rick) Skinner of Dell Rapids; her seven grandchildren, Teresa (Dan) Thiele, Troy (Sarah) Cooper, Shiann (Kevin) Shipp, Stacy (Todd) Manske, Kristi (Frank) McDermott, Shane Skinner and Shanon Skinner; 12 great-grandchildren, and an army of extended family that have been touched indelibly by Violet’s love and devotion. In all honesty, we are all still down here just trying to get the bread right!
Her funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at the Reformed Church, Dell Rapids.
Memorials may be directed to the Reformed Church, Dell Rapids.