Barbara J. Buckendahl

Barbara J. Buckendahl, 90 of Albion, NE, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albion, NE.

Funeral Services will be 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, NE with Rev. Carolann Hopcke officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until service time.

Barb requested that all in attendance please wear Nebraska Cornhusker apparel or red rather than black in celebration of her life and her love for the Huskers!

Barbara Jean Buckendahl, daughter of Grover A. and Irene H. (Neumann) Rasley, was born January 23, 1935, in Norfolk, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Norfolk, attended school at Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Norfolk High School in 1953.

On November 29, 1953, Barb was united in marriage to W.J. "Bud" Buckendahl at the United Methodist Church in Norfolk, NE. The couple lived in Norfolk, NE where Barb worked for an attorney and also owned and operated a knitting shop. The family moved to Albion, NE and on April 1, 1971, when they purchased the Albion Thrifty-Way Grocery Store. Barb kept the books for the business and supported her husband in many facets of the business. They owned and operated the store until selling it to Don and Sharon Casper in 1994. The couple had a passion for American Quarter Horses and spent many years raising and showing their horses.

Barb had a rich social life, surrounding herself with people she loved and spending time with many dear friends, including time golfing and playing bridge in both Albion and Arizona. She was honored to be recognized as the oldest member to win the club championship at the golf course she was a member of in Arizona. She had a passion for knitting and created many lasting keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. She was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fan and the couple were lifelong season ticket holders. She also never missed a Husker Volleyball match, including "Volleyball Day in Nebraska" where the Huskers broke the world attendance record for women's sports, which was a highlight in her life. She was also a big San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs fan. But the most precious times and memories in her life revolved around spending time with her grandchildren, following their activities, and playing her part in shaping their lives. She was extremely proud to share her middle name with her daughter and eldest granddaughter.

Barb was a member of the United Methodist Church in Norfolk until joining Zion Lutheran Church when they moved to Albion and was a long-time member of the Albion Country Club.

Barb is survived by her son: Steve Buckendahl and wife Ann of Wichita, KS; daughter: Keri Brugger of Albion, NE; five grandchildren: Laura Brugger and significant other Justin Vilbig of St. Louis, MO; Aliza Brugger and their partner Andrés Solorzano of Los Angeles, CA; Joseph and Emi Brugger and Matthew Brugger and fiancé Sydney Nelson, all of Albion; Claire Buckendahl of Wichita, KS; brother: Roger Rasley and wife Linda of Albuquerque, NM; sister: Darlene Lee and husband Skip of Red Bluff, CA; niece: Katie Lee of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law: Imogene Buckendahl of Charleston, SC; along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bud in 2015, granddaughter Elizabeth Irene Brugger, brothers-in-law: Philbon Buckendahl and wife Nelda; Elray Buckendahl; sister-in-law: DeVyla Rasmussen and husband Darrell.