Dennis S. Michael

Dennis S. Michael, 66 of Albion, NE, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from a farm accident near Albion, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE with Fr. Matt Gutowski, Fr. Mark Tomasiewicz, and Deacon Paul Weeder officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Albion, NE. A luncheon will be provided in the St. Michael's Church basement. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Michael's Catholic School, Albion, NE or the Albion Volunteer Fire Department, Albion, NE.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Steven Michael, son of Richard and Barbara (Johnson) Michael was born on December 15, 1957, in Albion, NE. Dennis attended District #13 before going to Albion High School and graduating with the class of 1976. Throughout high school he participated in football and wrestling while also working on the family farm. Continuing this love of farming, Dennis enrolled at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and graduated in 1980 with his degree in Ag Economics.

While in college, Dennis was introduced by his high school classmate, Jay Wolf, to the love of his life, Nicki Langel. They had dates every Thursday at Valentinos and Dennis went home every weekend to work on the family farm. They were married on June 20, 1981, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk, NE. The couple made their home northwest of Albion, NE, near Michael Farms Feedlot and Farm, and were blessed with four children. Dennis continued to do what he loved, which was farming and running the custom cattle feedlot with his brother Randy.

In 1995, Dennis and Nicki built their forever home just west of town. Throughout his children's childhoods, he helped coach their various youth sports teams. He taught his children many life lessons that they still quote and use on their own children today. Afterall, "did anyone ever tell you life was fair"? Dennis continued to farm and eventually Michael Farms Feedlot and Farm turned in to a row crop only operation, with his son Anthony joining him.

Dennis soon learned the best job was being a grandpa as he was blessed with twelve grandchildren. Dennis and Nicki enjoyed traveling, including recent trips to Alaska and Hawaii. His daily and weekly staples included morning breakfast at Julie's and 3 C's, coffee at his mom's house, and more recently, poker nights at the Country Club. The place he could relax the most at was he and Nicki's cabin in Burwell, NE.

Dennis was a lifetime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was also a board member of St. Michael's School, Parish Council, and Harmony Homes. Dennis was a friend to all and never knew a stranger. He had a contagious laugh and smile, and although worried a lot, always found the silver lining in every situation. We can't imagine our lives without him, but know he'd want us to move forward with the faith he taught us and the family he gave us.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 42 years: Nicki Michael of Albion, NE; four children: Curtis (Miranda) Michael of Dyess AFB, TX; Lindsey (Melvin) Oldaker of Chadron, NE; Anthony (Nikki) Michael of Albion, NE; Whitney (Taylor) Bessmer of Omaha, NE; 12 grandchildren: Natalie, Katherine, JD, Damien, Katelynn, Weston, Jaden, Taryn, Tresdyn, Morgan, Annie, and Jack; mother: Barbara Michael of Albion, NE; four siblings: Deb Borchers of Albion, NE; Randy (Kim) Michael of Albion, NE; Michelle (Dave) Purcell of Hickman, NE; Bill (Becky) Michael of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law: Kevin (Patti) Langel of Norfolk, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father: Richard Michael; parents-in-law: Cliff and Helen Langel; brothers-in-law: Kirk Langel and Orin Borchers.