Byron Steve Alberts, age 78, of Palisade Nebraska, passed away on September 1, 2026.

     He was born on September 3, 1947 in McCook Nebraska to Elmer “Smoky” and Leola (Wittwer) Alberts. He was the oldest of four children followed by Janice, Sherry, and Kirwin. He took his big brother roll seriously, pulling pranks on his siblings every chance he could even into adulthood, something passed down from his mom.

     Byron attended Palisade Public School until he graduated in 1965. He then went to the University of Nebraska for two years studying Wildlife Management until he enlisted in the Army. Byron was deployed to Vietnam in 1968, where he served his country in combat. Byron earned several medals, amongst them being the Bronze Star Medal. After returning from Vietnam, he joined his father in the farming operation.

     Byron met his wife Deb in 1977 and they united in marriage at the Peace Lutheran Church in McCook on November 4, 1978. Together they had four children; Cody, Autumn, Sasauna, and Leiauna. He was outnumbered by them, which was probably why he loved the outdoors so much! Byron was a loving, patient, kind, and selfless husband and father. He was full of surprises and pranks, and was known for his goofy and unique sense of humor which will be greatly missed.

     Byron’s love of nature and wildlife was always at the center of his work and pastimes. In 1989, Byron took over the farming operation when his father Smoky retired and moved into town with Leola. Around this same time Byron and Deb started Land-A-Life Farm, where they raised hydroponic tomatoes in greenhouses. Raising tomatoes was a family business, spending many hours together Byron, Deb and his girls were always busy picking, pruning, pollinating, stickering, and delivering the large juicy tomatoes to the southwestern corner of Nebraska for 23 years, often stopping for picnics and fishing on the route.

     Byron was also dedicated to wildlife conservation through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) where he planted over a thousand trees and several hundred acres of native prairie grasses and flowers. He was heavily involved in Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. He earned the awards: Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award, Landowner of the Year in 2011 and Master Conservationist of the Year in 2013. Byron retired in 2023, however he continued to maintain the farm and devoted more time to home projects and gardening with Deb.

     Byron served on several boards over his years including the school board, rural fire board, and was President and Elder at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Palisade for several years. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW and AmVets.

     Byron enjoyed going for walks in God’s creation, fishing, gardening, and listening to the birds. He never missed a Husker game. But his favorite thing was spending time with his family including his 6 grandchildren. Byron loved the Lord and was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Culbertson in 1947 and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Palisade in 1961. He remained an active church member throughout his life, leading his family to love and serve the Lord. He would also invite others to church, so they too could hear the word and come to know Jesus. His faith remained strong to the end.

     He is survived by wife, Deb; daughter, Autumn (Ryan) Ball and grandchildren, Josiah, Kyler, Jaeleigh, Kapri, and Jora; daughter, Sasauna (Justin) West and grandson, Jonah; daughter, Leiauna (Alex) Pelster; sisters, Janice (Gary) Sines and Sherry (Wayne) Larson; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Leola Alberts; his younger brother, Kirwin Alberts; and his son, Cody Alberts.

     Cremation was chosen and memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Culbertson. Burial with full military honors in the Palisade Cemetery will follow services.

     Memorials in Byron’s name are suggested to Pheasants Forever or to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Culbertson. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.