Albert W. Skrabal Sr.

Albert W. Skrabal Sr., 93 years of age, of Beatrice passed away at the Beatrice Manor Care Center early Sunday morning, August 7, 2011. He was born on February 10, 1918 near Diller, NE. to William and Barbara (Penkava) Skrabal. He was a 1936 graduate of Odell High School, Odell, NE. and attended Peru State Teachers College for 1 year. Albert served his country in the United States Army during World War II from February 23, 1944 until April 13, 1944. Albert married Martha Shalla on March 15, 1941 in Concordia, KS and they celebrated 70 years of marriage this past March. He was actively involved in the retail grocery business in many small towns in Southeast Nebraska for over 35 years. He was active in community activities in many capacities at each community, and had served as the Mayor of Diller, NE. He was involved in the several American Legion Posts and was a charter member of the Crab Orchard and Virginia American Legion Posts. Albert was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and the Bitting-Norman Post #27, American Legion in Beatrice for over 66 years. Albert enjoyed gardening, fishing, family activities (especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren), and watching all sports, but especially Nebraska Football.

Survivors include his with Martha; 3 sons, Albert Skrabal Jr. and wife Jan of Lincoln, Edward Skrabal and wife Carmel, and Harold Skrabal and wife Rachel, all of Columbia, MO.; 7 grandchildren John Skrabal and wife Mary Ann, Julie Skrabal, Jill Skrabal, Brian Skrabal and wife Andrea, Melissa Slatinsky and husband Erik, Makinzie Skrabal, and Scott Skrabal; and 4 great grandchildren Ian Skrabal, Lauren Skrabal, Logan Skrabal, and Luke Skrabal. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Barbara (Penkava) Skrabal; 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at the Centenary United Methodist Church with Reverend Charles Spence officiating. Interment will be in the Odell Czech Cemetery, Odell, NE. Military graveside services will be provided by the Bitting-Norman Post #27, American Legion in Beatrice. The body will lie in state Tuesday from 11-9:00 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 7-8:00, and at the church one hour preceding the service on Wednesday. A family prayer service will be held at 9:45 A.M. Wednesday at the church. A memorial has been established to the family's choice with the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in charge. Leave online messages of condolence at www.griffithshovendick.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.