Elbert “Bert” Alfrey, age 85, of Lincoln died January 29, 2013. He was born February 10, 1927 in Chanute, Kansas to Elbert C. and Henrietta (Biggs) Alfrey. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1944 to 1946 aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Bert received his Doctorate of Education degree from UNL in 1965, he was a Professor and the Director of the Student Services Center at UNL. Prior to being at UNL, Bert was a teacher and coach at Grand Island Senior High School, he served as Principal of Walnut Junior High School in Grand Island and University High School in Lincoln.
Survivors include his wife Louise, Son: Stephen D. Alfrey, Daughters and Sons-in-law: Pam Alfrey Hernandez and Rod Hernandez, Theresa and Kent Reinhard. Son and Daughter-in-law: David and Jody McDonald. Sisters and Brothers-in-law: Dora Lue and Earl Hrabik, Marian and Jim Johnson. Brother: Hank Alfrey. 15 Grandchildren and 4 Great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife JoAnn (McGrew) Alfrey.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1200 S. 40th street, Lincoln, Nebraska. No public visitation.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church memorial fund or Tabitha’s Hospice Journey House.
Last night Dennis and I were invited to dinner at the home of friends who live on Old Post Rd. I commented that I rememberd a time when we joined Bert and you for a lovely evening in your home there. That inspired a conversation about other good times spent with the two of you. That was a long time ago but we still remember Bert’s warm welcome and his kindness.
We first met him at University High School when we did our student teaching and were so impressed with his professionalism and commitment to secondary education. We also remember how excited we were when the two of you found each other and began your life together. We thought it was a perfect match! We know you made a lot of good memories and we hope you can hold them close at this difficult time. We extend our condolences to you and your family.
Dennis and Cherie Frederick
Dennis and I have many good memories of times spent with Bert socially and professionally. We remember a kind, intelligent man who was committed to his family and to improving secondary education. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Louise,
I was so saddened to learn of Bert’s death yesterday. I have such a warm place in my heart for him and always will. He was my teacher, my colleague and my good friend. I feel so blessed that Bert was in my life.
Please give my most sincere sympathy to your family. He always spoke so highly of your children and, of you, most of all.
Maggie Sievers
Thoughts and prayers at this time of your loss. . . .Carol Meyer
NOBODY WALKS ALONE
When the highway of life seems rough and all of your dreams have flown, just remember, wherever your road may go … Nobody walks alone. When everyone else has let you down and under your sins you groan, just keep reminding your burdened heart . . . Nobody walks alone. Then suddenly you’ll feel His hand in yours and His eyes lifting up your own, and you’ll hear His gentle forgiving voice . . . Nobody walks alone.
Although gone from us, Bert is not walking alone. How I remember the great times we had together professionally at UNL and then later in life as a friend. Remembering you in prayer.
Louise and family,
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family. Now Bert is home with God and no pain.
Losing you Loving Husband it the Biggest Challenge of your Life or at least it is for me yet,since I lost Art.
Gladys Dederman
I remember Bert from Grand Island Senior High where he was a wonderful teacher. Ron and I give you our thoughts and prayers for your family. I know he will be missed. Mary Jo
To Family
I would like to offer you some hope in these difficult times. Psalm 55:22 says”Throw your burden upon God himself and He Himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter” After sin and death entered the world God revealed that it was his purpose that the dead be restored to life by means of a resurrection .Jehovah God also promised that” The meek ones themselves will possess the earth and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace” Psalm 37:11 I really hope that God’s promises will help and comfort you.
Bert was my algebra teacher in Barr in GI. I graduated at GIHS, in 1956.
He was such a nice man, even tho i did not do well in his class, he put me in general math.
My dad was Dick Pulliam also a referee for the Big 6. He passed on in GI in 1953. So i am sure they knew one another…After moving to KS, i lost track of many in GI..But one of our class mates told us about him.Very sorry to read that.
My Sympathy- to each of you in your loss. Each one had a special time with him, a special rememberance,walking, talking, your gift to him,and he had a special day with you, maybe reading, playing, fishing- or ball playing, his gift to you.
Julie Pulliam Schultz ;Alma KS
Will never forget the crush I had on Mr. Alfrey in the 7th grade. My locker was right outside his office at Walnut Junior High School. Every morning, he would greet me and wish me a good day. It always made me feel on top of the world. I made a practice of always standing at the door of my classroom wishing my students a good morning and a word of encouragement. Thanks to Mr. Alfrey–you were a wonderful example.
I am greatly saddened to learn of Bert’s death, he was a great and amazing person whom me and my family will remember forever but will truly miss him.
We extend our condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I first met Coach Alfrey in the early 1950s when he was the baseball coach for the Grand Island Jrs. American Legion team. My older brother was a member of that those teams, I served as the batboy. Coach Alfrey took me under his wing and I travelled all over the state of Nebraska under his chaperoning. Later I played American Legion baseball and Grand Island Senior High Basketball under his tutelage. Last year I telephoned him and had a long conversation. I’m glad I did. Coach Alfrey was probably the finest coach I ever played for. He was a super teacher and most importantly he was a fine man and great role model. We’re all a little poorer for his passing.
My condolences to his family.
Max Noel
GIHS Class of 1959
Pam and Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.
Bert Alfray sounds like a great Dad. Our nation is poorer for losing those wonderful WWII vetrans who came back, raised good families and rebuilt America. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Our acquaintance with Bert was via occasions in Louisville where I served as pastor of the United Methodist Church and where some of Bert’s family are members. Bert was a gentleman, a community leader, and an influence to many. He’ll be missed and our prayers are with the family during this time.
Paul and Mary Kay
I was in Mr. Alfrey’s history class in high school and we all thought the world of him. My condolences to his family.
I graduated in 1956 and I remember all the
teachers who we had in class. I know he will
be missed by those he taught and trained!
Pam, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful gift to have a loving and supportive family and what a gift to have this wonderful man as your father. Love, Maria
I had lost track of “Mr Alfrey,” but I remember being his paperboy in Grand Island many years ago, and certainly recognized his name when I read his obituary. Our sympathies to his family. I never had him as a teacher or coach, but he always made time to say “hello” when we met. A class gentleman, and a great role model for many. May the good memories help sustain you during this difficult time.
Dear Mrs. Alfrey and family,
My name is Shirley Scheffert. I went to high school in Grand Island and I was Shirley Nicolas then. When I realized I would be taking
a world history class I thought how boring that will be. I was in Mr. Alfrey’s class and I found out that he actually was an excellent teacher and to my surprise he made world history very interesting. I graduated in l961 and Mr. Alfrey was at our class reunion. I got to visit with him and I enjoyed that. I am very sorry for your family’s loss. I meant to do this sooner, but I had not sent condolences by internet before so I procrastinated. Nevertheless, I am sincerely sorry and I hope you are doing the best I can. I was widowed in 2001 and remarried in 2004.
Sincerely,
Shirley Scheffert
Steve, I just saw this. I’m sorry. How are you? Hope to see you again some time. Glenda