Steven Culver Alberg
Steven Culver Alberg, 64, passed away peacefully April 22, 2020 at Kansas University Medical Center. He was born at Sewart Airforce Base, Smyrna, TN, on June 5, 1955, the son of Henry B. Alberg Jr. and Joan Culver Alberg.
We know Steve, along with the entire family, would like to thank all those who cared and prayed for Steve. At the top of the list is Steve’s loving girlfriend, Sandy Gustafson, who steadfastly stayed by his side through thick and thin during his long illness. Also, the staff at Colonial Village Senior Care and KU Medical Center who all warmly cared for him. Steve cherished his children “Hank” and “Katybug.” His beautiful grandchildren, Aidan, Maddy, Mila and Hudson were the light of his life.
Steve’s early years were spent in Omaha, NE from 1961 to 1969 where he attended Arbor Heights Elementary and Jr. High. The family relocated to Littleton, CO when Steve was 13 years old. He was a proud 1973 graduate of Arapahoe High School. College took him to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon and made life-long friends who nicknamed him “Berg.” Steve, in turn, was known to give his friends nicknames, two of his closest being Dave Williams (Hack) and Fred Olney (Chief). Steve received ROTC college scholarship offers from the United States Airforce and Navy. Wanting to follow his father’s footsteps he proudly accepted the Airforce scholarship. Steve received his Juris Doctorate from Washburn University in 1980. After law school Steve ran as a Republican for a seat in the Kansas State House of Representatives, losing narrowly in a tight race. Ironically, he received more votes in District 57 than President Regan in that election.Steve practiced law in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas until he retired.
Steve loved nature and wildlife. He adventured on the Big Fork River as a camper at Camp Birchwood for Boys (formerly Gunflint Wilderness Camp) and later paddledthe Quetico as a camp counselor. Steve, being 6’ 4”, was known as “Moose” in the Birchwood Nation. His sacred tales and camp stories still live in our hearts and are wonderful memories that bring laughter and tears. His love of adventure even led him to participate in a 1000-mile canoe race that started in Hutchinson, Kansas. Canoeing down the Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers Steve and his SAE brother and friend, Phil Porter,finished the race in New Orleans and took 3rd place.
Steve loved American history, especially military history, and celebrated Independence Day on July 4th every summer with a backyard barbeque gathering, followed by a huge fireworks display. Christmas was also one of Steve’s favorite holidays. He showered all of his loved ones with fun gifts, personally chosen at the last second.
Steve had many hobbies. Hunting and fishing trips wereannual events. He loved to garden on his land near Louisburg, KS and he was a member of the Louisburg, Masonic Peace Lodge #243. Steve was also an ornithologist; his favorite hobby of all was breeding and racing messenger pigeons. As a symbol of Christ’s love Steve would release a covey of pigeons at the end of a family member’s memorial service. He would first release a lead, single, white pigeon as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and also a symbol of peace, love and honor; then releasing the remaining pigeons, they would follow, all circling above, eventually heading for home, symbolizing Christ leading his children home to Heaven. It truly was a beautiful thing to behold.
Steve was proceeded in death by his beloved grandparents, Henry & Esther Alberg and John & Vivian Culver. Also, his deeply loved mother, Joan Culver Alberg, went home to Heaven in 2008.
Steve dearly loved all of his extended family, aunts, uncles, and cousins and was proud of his family heritage on both sides. Steve is survived by his father, Henry B. Alberg, Jr., his girlfriend, Sandy Gustafson, his two children, Henry S. Alberg and Catherine (Katy) Fricke (Kyle), his four grandchildren, Aidan, Madelyn, Mila and Hudson, his two sisters, Nancy McGuire (Chuck) and Sally Watts (Charlie) and six nieces and nephews who he dearly loved.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Colonial Presbyterian Church 9500 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 64114. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Birchwood Wilderness Camp, 12586 Gunflint Trail Slip 85. Grand Marais, MN. 55604
Steve played an important part of my life. A friend for nearly 30 years and way too many memories to choose the best of. We were inseparable 20 of those years, fishing the Bighorn river, morellos hunting, quail and pheasant hunting as well as laughing and crying with each other through great and terrible times. No matter what trials and tribulations fell upon him Steve had the best outlook in life and loved living up to its fullest. I will forever be grateful to God for his friendship. I love you buddy! Rest in peace my friend.
I remember Having a crush on Steve when he worked at the Cragmaster. I would go in to get ski rentals and ice cream. What a wonderful guy.
I remember Steve from the Cragmaster. He would help me with skis and the serve ice cream cones. What a wonderful guy.
I will forever miss you on this side of Heaven dear brother, and will always love you! ❤️
Steve was a classmate at Washburn. After law school Steve helped me coach a softball team on which Hank and my daughter played. I always enjoyed spending time with Steve. My sincere condolences to Hank and the rest of the family.
Bill Ronan
To say Steve was a character would be an understatement. His mother, Joan was my godmother. She and Hank, his dad were great friends of my parents. In fact, we lived across the street from each other as youngsters. He was one of my earliest and best childhood friends.
Rest In Peace buddy.
Jeb
Hank please let us know when Steve’s memorial service will be. Hopefully the world will return to some type of normal before too long.
Steve and I had been good friends since his family moved to Colorado when we were in junior high, and stayed in touch for 50 years since then. We did so many things together. Double dating, Key Club, skiing, fishing trips to Montana and Yellowstone, annual quail hunts at his grandmother’s farm south of Topeka, music events around KC, his Fourth of July celebration at the farm, and more. He loved that farm! He had to stop at every historical marker on road trips. Steve enjoyed a wide circle of friends and I was privileged to be counted among them. Miss you my friend.
Thanks would love to attend the service. Keep me inform prayers for you and the family
Dear Katy,
Sorry you lost your Father. I’m thinking about you and praying for you.
Love, Jean “A Church Lady”
Tony, I have wonderful memories of your family in Cherry Knolls. I remember your mom & dad so well. Jack had an infectious smile and was so fun. I remember that and I was just a little kid. Hopefully we will see you when we have Steve’s celebration of life.
We will definitely get the word out via social networking. I’m FB connected with Anne so I’ll be sure and let her know. We were sorry to not be able to attend Sally’s memorial service. Dad had recently had a bad fall and not so able to make it. ?
Steve and I were good friends for almost 60 years. We went to elementary school in Omaha for 3 years, junior high for 2 years and finally were Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers at the University of Nebraska. After college, we kept in touch and usually got together a time or two each year. “Berg” had a wide array of interests — he always had projects in the pipeline and adventures out there waiting for him. I now really regret not going on some of the trips he wanted me to go on — I’m thinking of fishing trips in Canada and Montana. His knowledge and enthusiasm regarding history, the outdoors and so many other topics was impressive. He had a larger than life personality and a great sense of humor that made him friends with many, many people. I will never forget Steve and I thank God that I had many years of friendship with him. He was truly one of a kind. Rest in peace brother.
Well berg, it’s time. We always knew it would arrive for all of us and soon I’ll see you again. Thank you for the youthful fun life with me and the brothers. Love your family. Lots of great memories! You will be talked about quite a bit so hope your ears don’t hurt too much. Phi Alpha. Chief
My boys are David & Steven. There is a reason for that! “There is a friend who is closer than a brother.” Dave, you were his lifetime, closer than a brother friend.
Sally and Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. Much too young.
Thank you, Kim. ?
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Stand By Me ends with the author typing: I never had better friends than the friends I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anybody? I am very sad to hear of Steve’s passing. I am proud to say that I was his friend, when we were 12.
Happy Birthday #65 I will celebrate your day having fond memories of all the times we shared together! You are an incredible one of a kind man.