Albert E. “Bert” Debrabander

Albert E. "Bert" DeBrabander, 81, Lenexa, KS passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 3, 2015.

Bert was born Feb. 27, 1934 in Shawnee, KS and was lifelong resident of Johnson County, KS. He married Rita Hoehn on June 11, 1955 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Growing up, he worked on his parent's farm. He was in the US Army from 1954-56. After a few years of truck farming, he owned and operated the Lenexa Concrete Foundation Co., Inc. for 24 years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener, winemaker, and enjoyed creating metal sculptures. He was one of the founding members of the Lenexa Gun Club, a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion Post #327 in Shawnee, KS. Many weekends were enjoyed at the Lake of the Ozarks with his nine children. After retiring, Bert and Rita enjoyed traveling around the US and visiting relatives in Belgium.

Bert was preceded in death by his son, Dale DeBrabander in 1985 and his parents, Leon and Mary (VanDeBerghe) DeBrabander. Survivors include his wife, Rita of 60 years; eight children, Mike (Mary) DeBrabander, Leo (Karen) DeBrabander, Karen (Cliff) Beaman, Kathy Nutt, Mark (Leslie) DeBrabander, Diane Keiter, Donna DeBrabander, Mary DeBrabander; sister, Lorene Rieke; brother, Emil DeBrabander; 21 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where a rosary recitation will be at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 8 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church; burial in the Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa, KS 66215.