Alfred H Effenbeck

This world lost a great man on September 24, 2025.  

Alfred Henry Effenbeck was born November 28, 1937 on a farm in the Stoddard township of rural Hebron, Nebraska. He was born to William H. and Ruth M. (Dunker) Effenbeck. He had an older brother, Leland Effenbeck.  

 Alfred was baptized on December 12, 1937 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Stoddard. He would later be confirmed there in August of 1951. He attended District 69 and District 89 schools and then later graduated from Deshler High School in 1955.  

After graduation, Alfred worked as a surveyor for the conservation district. He was proudly involved in the Buckley Creek Reservoir project near Reynolds.  

On April 4, 1964, Alfred married Anita Beth Hartley from Chester and they had  two children Kenneth William and Karrie Beth.  

Alfred farmed with his brother and father. They had a dairy business and  received many production awards for their Grade A state-of-the-art dairy business.  Alfred was a board member of the Mid America Dairy Association. After the dairy buyout, Alfred did dirt work with Bill and Frank Easton and Steve Meyer. They traveled all over Nebraska and Kansas doing dirt projects and building terraces.  

He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church.  

Alfred was a member and leader in the Thayer County Ag Society for over twenty-five years. After the 2003 tornado destroyed the old ag hall, he was  instrumental in getting the Thayer County Activity Center built. He toured many community centers and worked very hard to make sure that the county had a gathering  center that it could be proud of.  

In 2007, Alfred lost his beloved wife to cancer and suffered a debilitating stroke—two events that altered his life. He had his first stay at Meadowlark Heights in Deshler at that time. He recovered to live on his own again for many years before a car accident and then major heart surgery landed him back in the assisted living. At the time of his death, he was struggling with other health challenges.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Ruth M. Effenbeck; his brother Leland Effenbeck; his wife Anita Beth Effenbeck; father-in-law and mother-in law Leslie “Bill” and Hazel Hartley; and his brothers-in-law Max Gausman and Doyall Hartley. He is survived by his son Kenneth (Julie) Effenbeck of Chester and daughter Karrie (Layne) Holmes of Byron ; granddaughters Megan (Sheridan) Holmes-Nusz of Lincoln and Brigett (Crayton) Mosier of Strang; grandson Ashton (Renee) Holmes  of Byron; great-grandsons Dayne Nusz of Lincoln and Henry Mosier of Strang. He is also survived by many relatives and friends and his Meadowlark Heights family.  

 Alfred loved the land and loved farming. He cherished his family and spending  time with them. He had many friends, who have great memories of him. He was  never scared of obstacles or hard work. Alfred left this earth moments after a good meal and a margarita, surrounded by family who loved him. If Alfred were here now,  he’d encourage you to share a cocktail with your loved ones in his memory. 

Funeral services will be held 2:00pm Monday, September 29, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler, NE with Pastor Joseph Love officiating. Interment will follow the service at Deshler City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 1:00pm-6:00pm with family greeting friends from 2:00-4:00pm at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th St, Belleville, KS 66935.

Online condolences can be made at www.bachelor-surber.com.

Memorials are to be designated at a later time. (checks can be made direct to the family)

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS and Chester, NE are assisting the family with arrangements.

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