James Cyril Albers

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of James Cyril Albers, age 77, of Saint Cloud will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Jim passed away peacefully at home Saturday morning, February 28th, surrounded by his family, as a result of a brain tumor. Reverend Robert Rolfes will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. Parish prayers will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Jim was born on November 4, 1937 to the late Henry and Anna (Hansen) Albers in St. Cloud, MN. He grew up on a dairy farm with his eight sisters and two brothers. He attended the District 91 grade school near Rockville and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1955. He married Shirley Ann Buttweiler on July 8, 1961 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in St. Cloud and together they raised four sons. Jim served in the United States Army Reserve for six years and was honorably discharged on January 31, 1965. He worked for 38 years at National Bushing & Parts Co. beginning as an outside salesman, moving to sales manager, vice president and eventually owner. In 1993 Jim sold his portion of the business and in 1996 he began working for Mathew Hall Lumber Co. selling roof and floor trusses for 16 years. He truly enjoyed his work in both the automotive and construction industries and especially loved the camaraderie of working with his customers and fellow employees. He retired in June of 2012 at the age of 74.

Jim was an active community member volunteering much of his time, when he could, to his men’s groups at Holy Spirit and St. Augustine Catholic Churches. He served as past President of the St. Cloud Lions Club where he was a member since 1975. Additionally, he was a member of the Stearns Co. Historical Society, St. Cloud Eagles Club, and was a charter member of the Central Minnesota Woodworkers Association. For many years he served on the Treasure Chest Board and was a Birthline volunteer. He had a passion for woodworking and his handiwork can be seen in all the wood projects he built for his home, cabin and children’s homes. His hobbies included, playing cards, snowmobiling and golfing as often as he could. Jim loved having his family and friends up at the lake cabin relaxing, and going out for a pontoon ride on the lake or taking a Ranger ATV ride through the woods. He was an avid fan and follower of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins and SCSU Hockey. He loved to travel and he enjoyed being outdoors with his sons and buddies hunting and fishing. His great passion was building the family lake cabin and spending time up there with his family and friends. Most importantly, he loved to be around people laughing and having fun.

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years Shirley, his children Mitchell (Melissa), Minnetrista; Paul (Susan), Maple Grove; Todd (Kimberly), Medina; Chris (Michele Barron), St. Cloud; grandchildren Zachery, Mitchell, Megan, Katherine, Kyle, Ryan, Nicholas, step-grandson Nathan, (Nate and Ian); siblings Florence Schroeden of Cold Spring, Lucille Mueller of Eagan, Ruth Mueller of St. Paul, Jeanie Mueller of White Bear Lake, Mary Lou (Don) Schmitz of Roseville, Hubert (Dorothy) Albers of Blaine, Irene (Ed) Zeppelin of White Bear Lake, and Joyce (Wayne) Gretsch of Richmond; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Anna, sister Virginia Feneis, brother Charles, infant siblings Dennis and Judy and many in-laws on both sides of the family. 

Jim’s family would like to thank St. Cloud Hospital Hospice and Homecare (especially Molly Dunn) for their wonderful and loving care to Jim and MaryJo LeGare-Hoffman for bringing him Holy Communion every Sunday.

Memorials are preferred.