Steve Culver Alberg

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