Albert Van Lerberg

Albert C. Van Lerberg, 88, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away March 23, 2010, peacefully at his home.

Albert was a kind and gentle man, perhaps best known for Van’s Food Center, the local grocery store he owned for over four decades. Known as “Van” to many friends, he enjoyed poker, watching his stocks, and spending time with his large family.

Albert was born August 28, 1921, to Paul and Madeline (LeFevre) Van Lerberg. His parents were truck farmers who immigrated from Belgium. Albert sold their produce at the City Market at an early age. He continued to be a regular at the City Market for his entire life and loved his friends there. He spoke only Flemish when he began attending St. Joseph Grade School where he became the first in his family to speak English. He purchased his first plot of land at age 16. That plot of land is still a part of his estate.

He was in the Fifth Army, 110th Quartermaster Bakery Company, spending six months in Africa and two years in Italy during World War II. He especially enjoyed his time in the Army because he was able to serve it with his first cousin, Dick Van Lerberg.

After the war, he started his own home building business with his brother Richard (Dick). Together they opened Van’s Food Center on December 6, 1950. It was very successful and a popular meeting place in Shawnee for the next 43 years. He also served on the board of directors of the Shawnee State Bank.

He had many interests. He especially enjoyed his family, trips to Las Vegas with friends, and his cattle ranch. For his continuous support and love of Shawnee, he was offered the honor of having a street named after him, Albervan. He was also a life-long member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

He married Cleo Shoen from Comfrey, Minnesota, on June 26, 1954. Together they had eight children, Steve (Jenny) Van Lerberg, Pam Cremer, Ron (Lisa) Van Lerberg, Joanne (Taylor) Preston, Linda Van Lerberg (Ron Jordan), Paul Van Lerberg, Bryon (Tami) Van Lerberg, and Nancy (Jim) Arnett. The greatest joy in his life were his grandchildren, Stacie (Jake Brown), April, Kristin (Andrew Koch), Jodie, Rebecca, Ryan, Patricia, Alex, Jackie, Shawna, Ben, Laura, Tiffany, Sam, Lindsay, Shaun, Gabby, Lauren, Alyssa, Mary Kate, Sienna, and Drew; and great-grandchildren, Brecken and Mitchell. Survived by his sister, Mary Alice (Charles) Viscek, sister-in-laws Dorothy and Rosemary Van Lerberg, and his wife’s extended family in Minnesota, Clete (Carol) Shoen, Curt Shoen, Clarie Shoen, Cal (Shirley) Shoen, Mary Lee Shoen and Carol (Ron) Windschitl. He also leaves many more nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and his loyal dog Jack. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cleo, and brothers Dick, Clarence and Dale.

Many thanks to his wonderful caregivers, Jewel and Kara Broadfoot and Vergie Lopez who helped him live comfortably at home. The family is comforted by the fact that he is joining his beloved wife, brothers, and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the St. Joseph Funeral Luncheon, c/o St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5901 Flint, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

Visitation and Funeral Service

A visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010 and 9:30-11:00 a.m., Friday, March 26, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. Mass will be 11:00 AM, Friday, March 26, 2010, also at the church, followed by entombment in Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum, Lenexa, Kansas.