Albert W. Aulner Sr.

Albert W. Aulner, Sr., June 26, 1933 - January 15, 2026

Albert Aulner Sr. passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. He was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Yvonne—his high school sweetheart and eternal companion—who preceded him in death on April 1, 2025. Together they shared 71 wonderful years of marriage, defined by devotion, faith, sacrifice, and an enduring love that anchored Albert’s life.

Albert was born on June 26, 1933, in Estelline, South Dakota, to John Edward Aulner and Alta Leona Parks. He was one of seven children, born in a humble farmhouse where his parents worked as sharecroppers during the Great Depression.

Albert served his country after being drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War, working as an electrician. After returning home, he worked alongside his father and brothers as an ironworker. During this time he met the woman who would become his wife. His favorite story was noticing her while working under his car, when “the most beautiful set of legs” walked by.

Albert and Yvonne were married on October 10, 1953. Together they were blessed with 11 children (four daughters and seven sons) and a growing legacy of 44 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He loved his family deeply and took pride in the lives they built and the people they became. To Albert, family was his greatest blessing and most meaningful accomplishment, and he treasured the simple moments of being together.

His calloused hands reflected a lifetime of honest labor and steadfast dedication to providing for his family. Much of the time he spent with his children involved working alongside them, quietly teaching the values of hard work, honesty, integrity, and self-sacrifice. He also cherished time with family fishing, hunting, gardening, solving puzzles, and carving pumpkins. Above all, his life was marked by his unwavering love and devotion to Yvonne, a testament to the sacredness of marriage and a faith that love continues beyond this life.

Albert Aulner Sr. will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and a man of quiet strength and unwavering principles. His legacy lives on through the generations who carry his name, his values, and his example of enduring love.

Albert is survived by his sister, Shirley; his brother, Marvin (LaVonne); his sister-in-law, Rogene; and his 11 loving children: Lynda (Vince), June, Albert (Terri), Jr., Lyle (Patty), Lisa, David (Chris), Donald (Julie), Wayne (Lisa), Aaron (Rhonda), Bryan (Terri), and Janine (Tim). He is also survived by 44 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who were all deeply cherished by him.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alta Aulner, Sr.; his beloved wife, Yvonne; his siblings, John (Jean), Jr., Kenneth, Sr., Darlene (Lyle), and Virginia; great-grandchildren Dominic, Dylan, and Gabriel; and great-great-grandchild Zachariah.

Memorials may be directed to EWTN, KVSS Spirit Radio, Bethlehem House, Divine Mercy Pantry SVdPomaha.org or Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS)

VISITATION: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 5-7:00 PM, with a VIGIL SERVICE at 7:00 PM, all at Bethany Funeral Home

FUNERAL MASS: Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church (14330 Eagle Run Dr.)

Graveside Service: Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 1:30 PM at the Omaha National Cemetery

Bethany Funeral Home, 8201 Harrison St. LaVista, NE 68128 / 402-593-6100

Bethany Funeral Home & Cremation Services

8201 Harrison Street La Vista, Nebraska 68128 / 402-593-6100