Earl Alberts

Earl D. Alberts, 79, Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Friday, November 6, 2009 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. He spent his final hours on this earth reminiscing with his family. Earl Duane Alberts was born to Otto and Lucille ((Frahm) Alberts on November 18, 1929 in Iroquois, South Dakota. He was raised on a farm near Holland, Minnesota and received his early education in Pipestone, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school. Earl served as a sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War and was twice awarded the Purple Heart, one with oak leaf clusters, and the silver star. Earl and Betty Lou De Jong were joined in marriage on April 23, 1954 in Pipestone, Minnesota and farmed outside of Holland, Minnesota early in their marriage. Earl decided to leave farming to continue his education. Earl and Betty Lou moved to Sioux City, Iowa where Earl received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Morningside College. They then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where he received his Master of Arts Degree from the University of Nebraska. They then moved to Mankato, Minnesota where Earl taught for Mankato State University. From there they moved to Boulder, Colorado where Earl received his Doctorate in Philosophy and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. Earl and Betty Lou settled in Grand Forks in 1966 where he was a professor at UND in the Marketing Department and was later the chairman of the Management Department. Earl helped to start the AFIT program at the Grand Forks Air Force Base which enabled officers to further their degrees. After leaving UND, Earl became president of the Belmont Gallery of Homes Real Estate in Grand Forks. He also served as a business consultant to the XEROX Corporation and other national and international companies. In 1985, Earl and Betty Lou moved to Fargo, North Dakota where he taught at Moorhead State University and was also the chairman of the Marketing and Management Department there. While at Moorhead State, Earl also served as an advisor to the Pi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. After retiring from teaching in 1993, Earl and Betty Lou returned to Grand Forks. Not one to sit still for long, Earl went back into real estate where he was associated with Greenberg Realty and Crary Homes and Real Estate. Earl officially retired in 2000. Earl was a long time member of the Lion's Club in Grand Forks and served several times as president. He was Lion of the Year 1997/1998. He received the Melvin Jones Fellow award from the Lion's Club. As a member, he was called upon many times in the early morning hours to deliver donated eyes from Grand Forks to Fargo. He and Betty Lou were longtime members of Zion United Methodist church in Grand Forks. Throughout his teaching career, Earl was affectionately referred to as "Doc" by his students and fellow faculty members. The nickname followed him through many facets of his life. Earl had a number of interests which included activities with his family and grandkids. He enjoyed Texas hold em Poker, hunting, fishing, and golf. He liked to play cards with friends and family and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, relatives, and neighbors. He is survived by his wife Betty Lou, Grand Forks; children, Terry (Sandy) Alberts, Junction City, OR, Geri Alberts, Grand Forks, and Brad (Loree) Alberts, Grand Forks; grandchildren, Tanner and Lexi; step-grandchildren, Travis, Trent, and Holly; a sister, Sharon Kor, Pipestone, MN. He also had six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Jim. Services: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in Zion United Methodist Church, 1001 24th Ave South, Grand Forks. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service in Zion United Methodist Church. Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery Military Honors: North Dakota National Guard Funeral Honors