A Mass of Christian Burial for Dennis S. Michael, 66 of Albion, was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Albion.

Fr. Matt Gutowski, Fr. Mark Tomasiewicz, and Deacon Paul Weeder officiated. Interment followed at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Albion.

Tony and Carol Kusek served as EMHC, Kevin Nelson was Lector and servers were Courtney Preister and Bethany Preister. Music was provided by Sarah Liss and Bridget Wiese, and giftbearers were his grandchildren.

Honorary Pallbearers were Matt Borchers, Jake Langel, Josh Langel, Michael Purcell, Andrew Purcell, Isaac Purcell and the “Morning Coffee Group and Poker Group.” Pallbearers were Greg Koetter, Jay Wolf, Bill Kettler, Randy Hedlund, Brock Michael and Nick Langel.

Dennis Steven Michael, son of Richard and Barbara (Johnson) Michael was born on December 15, 1957, in Albion, and he passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from a farm accident near Albion.

Michael attended District #13 before going to Albion High School and graduating with the class of 1976. Throughout high school he participated in football and wrestling while also working on the family farm. Continuing this love of farming, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and graduated in 1980 with his degree in Ag Economics.

While in college, Michael was introduced by his high school classmate, Jay Wolf, to the love of his life, Nicki Langel. They had dates every Thursday at Valentinos and Michael went home every weekend to work on the family farm. They were married on June 20, 1981, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norfolk.

The couple made their home northwest of Albion, near Michael Farms Feedlot and Farm, and were blessed with four children. Michael continued to do what he loved, which was farming and running the custom cattle feedlot with his brother, Randy.

In 1995, the couple built their forever home just west of town. Throughout his children’s childhoods, he helped coach their various youth sports teams. He taught his children many life lessons that they still quote and use on their own children today. After all, “did anyone ever tell you life was fair”?

He continued to farm and eventually Michael Farms Feedlot and Farm turned in to a row crop only operation, with his son, Anthony, joining him.

Michael soon learned the best job was being a grandpa as he was blessed with 12 grandchildren. The couple enjoyed traveling, including recent trips to Alaska and Hawaii. His daily and weekly staples included morning breakfast at Julie’s and 3 C’s, coffee at his mom’s house, and more recently, poker nights at the Country Club. The place he could relax the most at was their cabin in Burwell.

Michael was a lifetime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He was also a board member of St. Michael’s School, Parish Council, and Harmony Homes.

His family remembered him with “He was a friend to all and never knew a stranger. He had a contagious laugh and smile, and although worried a lot, always found the silver lining in every situation. We can’t imagine our lives without him, but know he’d want us to move forward with the faith he taught us and the family he gave us.”

He was preceded in death by his father: Richard Michael; parents-inlaw: Cliff and Helen Langel; brothers-in-law: Kirk Langel and Orin Borchers.

Dennis S. Michael is survived by his wife of 42 years: Nicki Michael of Albion; four children: Curtis (Miranda) Michael of Dyess AFB, Texas; Lindsey (Melvin) Oldaker of Chadron; Anthony (Nikki) Michael of Albion; Whitney (Taylor) Bessmer of Omaha; 12 grandchildren: Natalie, Katherine, JD, Damien, Katelynn, Weston, Jaden, Taryn, Tresdyn, Morgan, Annie, and Jack; mother: Barbara Michael of Albion; four siblings: Deb Borchers of Albion; Randy (Kim) Michael of Albion; Michelle (Dave) Purcell of Hickman; Bill (Becky) Michael of Lincoln; brother-in-law: Kevin (Patti) Langel of Norfolk; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome. com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Michael’s Catholic School, Albion, NE or the Albion Volunteer Fire Department, Albion.