John "Jack" Albrecht

In the fall, farmers put the land to rest for the season. After the dead of winter, the land is reborn by the warmth of the spring, and new life takes root. On Thursday, April 13, 2023, surrounded by family, God put this farmer, Jack Albrecht, to rest in his own home on the farm. Jack has now gained new life in heaven with his Lord and Savior. 

Visitation and prayer service will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM at American Lutheran Church in De Smet, SD.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at American Lutheran Church in De Smet, SD. Pastor David Peterson and Father Richard Baumberger will officiate with music provided by Julie Baszler as organist. Active pallbearers will be Jack's grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack's granddaughters with special honorary pallbearers being Jack's extended farm family. The service will be livestreamed via the Crawford-Osthus website.

Burial will follow at De Smet Cemetery. 

Jack was born on January 20, 1931, to Emil and Harriet (Tripp) Albrecht in a farmhouse south of De Smet.  He attended Mathews Country School until the eighth grade, and De Smet High School for one semester, before being asked to return to the farm full-time. In his 75 years of farming, he only stepped away for two years while proudly serving his country in the Army during the Korean War. While away, his mother wrote him daily.  Jack also spoke of praying each day while he was away to meet a beautiful girl to spend his life with. Upon returning from Korea his prayers were answered. While ushering at church, he noticed a lovely young lady with the most beautiful smile sitting in the back pew. Jack and Norma (Paulson) were married in that same Lutheran church on the evening of August 31, 1956.  Together, they built their life around faith, family, and farming; and what an incredible life they shared!

Jack was a steward of the land and a true cattleman at heart. He strived to be a top producer and took pride in his livestock. He was out of bed before dawn and often worked long after sunset. He was known for his dedication to farming. Jack was respected by many, especially, those working alongside him. He could often be heard saying, “many hands lighten the load” and “take pride in your work”.  This quiet man’s wisdom was listened to closely; he instilled the value of working hard, and more importantly, remaining humble.

In his later years, Jack would agree to a short winter getaway in Sanibel Island, Florida. Those times away always included walking the beach and frequent calls back to the farm.  On a summer Sunday afternoon, if the hay was baled, he could be found spending time at his cabin on Lake Poinsett. The lake day was never complete without a pontoon ride, a round of golf, or a card game of Pitch.  Although time away from the farm was never easy, he cherished his travels with family and special friends to the Black Hills, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, Oregon, Norway, Germany, Italy, and Austria.   

Jack was a lifelong member of the American Legion and a faithful member of the American Lutheran Church of De Smet. He recently received the Century Farm and Ranch designation.

Grateful for having shared his life are his four sons, Brad (Susanne) Albrecht, Arlington, Greg (Bonita) Albrecht, Jeff (Tammy) Albrecht, both of De Smet, and Jon (Rhona) Albrecht, Howard; three daughters, Laurie (Lynn) Stoltenburg, Huron, Jane (Clint) Hoyer, Winfred, and Sherrie (Tom) Kersting, Volga; 24 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, special friend LaVonne Williams, De Smet, sister-in-law, Irene (Hal) Thomason, Scottsbluff, NE and many nephews and nieces. 

Jack is preceded in death by his beloved wife Norma; his infant daughter, Theresa Marie, an infant grandson, Jonathan Christopher; his parents, Emil and Harriet Albrecht; three sisters, Esther Bitner, Alice Lundquist, Ruth Zeller, and one brother, Kenneth Albrecht.

The family requests memorials to American Lutheran Church and Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital in Jack's name in lieu of flowers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Jack" Albrecht, please visit our floral store.