Lorraine Elna Albrecht

Born August 24, 1915, at Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa, the sixth child of Joseph Clifford Cole and Emma Minnie Hoffner Cole. Her first year was spent at Tipton and Mechanicsville, Cedar County, Iowa. Before she was two years of age the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in 1921 her mother and sisters moved to Wichita, Kansas after her parents’ separation.

Lorraine completed her schooling in Wichita and enrolled in 1934 at Venus Beauty Academy. In February 1935 she took employment at San Lea’s Beauty Shop, El Dorado, Butler County, Kansas. She roomed with one of the employees and gradually became involved with her circle of friends where she met a young man whom later became her husband.

On the 27th of September 1936, she was united in marriage with Leonard Edward Noller, son of Charles and Winnie May Moss Noller, at the 1st Christian Church parsonage, Doge City, Kansas, where his parents were living.

On the 27th of December 1940 their son Norman “Kent” Noller was born much to their delight although it was not anticipated their happiness was soon to end by the sudden death of Leonard from a cerebral hemorrhage 23rd of Feb. 1942 at 31 years 11 months and 12 days. The sorrow was enormous for his son of 14 months and his wife 26 years of age.

To manage support for her son and herself she installed Lorraine’s Beauty Shop’ in downtown El Dorado but contentment was not found, so she moved to Wichita where her mother cared for Kent temporarily. She found a home shop close by where she could have a neighbor care for her son and give them room and board.

In the fall of 1945 she met Myron W. Albrecht, son of Karl and Anna Beckheusen Albrecht. After two years she planned on marriage and proceeded to make her wedding dress of pale blue satin with white netting. The marriage took place 31st of August 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Myron was a Lutheran and Lorraine and her son became members. Shortly afterward Pastor Deffner requested they help organize and start Grace Lutheran Church and they became charter members with Myron serving on the board and Lorraine serving as the first president of Grace Guild. Its first pastor, Rev. Karl Lepper, corresponded with Lorraine for many years.

With the love of the out-doors and enjoyment of hunting Myron, Lorraine an Kent enjoyed the sport together. This led to involvement in the Wichita Kennel Club, organizing the Sunflower German Shorthaired Pointer Club, and sharing in the development of the National G.S.P. Club pedigree book of winners, along with raising about 100 puppies from which they received many awards and life time recognitions as outstanding breeders, contributors to the breed, and researchers. She felt the need for American Kennel Club publications and German Breeders publications for researchers who desired to produce quality hunting and show dogs. With the support of all the clubs she placed books valued at over $12,000 in the City Library. Leaving all this in capable hands, her life moved on.

Upon her son’s marriage, she found it necessary to occupy herself in the activities of organizations until the birth of his two sons whom she cared for while he and his wife worked. Following their separation, Lorraine wished to return to her previous profession in 1970, installing a beauty shop in her home. She was also interested in genealogy and enjoyed taking trips to the areas of her ancestry, becoming acquainted with distant relatives. Her diligence developed into a most rewarding experience by qualifying for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

When computers became popular, Kent and his son Martin tried to teach Lorraine how to use one. She was in her 80’s and it was no small task but she consistently sat searching for information. She completed her book at 94 years of age “Heinrich and Eva Marie Engelhardt Luehrmann, Ancestors and Descendants” (her grandparents) and was ready to start her next book which would enlighten the family as to the background of their father, mother, grandparents, as well as the interesting background behind Lorraine’s father, reaching back to the Aldens of the Mayflower.

Her love for her son is beyond expression for he experienced much of the trauma of the life and it could not be withheld from him. Their nightly bedside chats were a precious memory for her as well as for him.

Once again she became widowed after 51 years of marriage 21st of July 1998. Myron had discussed where she should live prior to his eminent death from emphysema. It was agreed that she live with her son and family which she did for 8 years. During these 8 years the family attended Eastminster Presbyterian Church and became members. She loved the Bible Study class and the friends she made while attending. She then entered Lakepoint at Crestview (an assisted living facility), where she spent her nine years of life.

There were many things for which Lorraine was grateful. The Lord blessed her with a long life, that she might enjoy his blessings and serve him. Grateful for her son, his wife Kate, sons and grandchildren are involved in church activity to give them a solid belief in our Father in Heaven. She expressed her love for her family and hoped they would forgive her for anything she may have said or done to make them unhappy. She never intended to hurt anyone although being human, it is likely impossible not to at some point in life offend someone. It is only through God’s handiwork that the family has been rejoined and realized the deep love that has awaited them throughout their lives. May the Lord guide them in their quest for happiness together for the rest of their lives.

Her abundant love went out to:

Her son, whom she loved with all her heart and his loving wife who tolerated many years of a mother-in-law in her home.

Her grandson Martin with whom she shared the heartbreaks of life as an expression of love for him and her appreciation of his loving wife Jean Marie for her involvement in the teaching profession and birthing two children.

Her grandson Michael with whom she shared her life experiences and her son’s through the years of sorrow and happiness. Her appreciation of his wife Kim in her enthusiasm of experiencing many fields of endeavor through her life and birthing three children.

Her grandson Robert (Bob) who grew up sharing her bed when the folks were out and snuggled to sleep with grandma’s love. She was ever grateful for God’s loving gift of sharing him with our family.

Her great grandchildren: No love is greater than the love of a grandmother or great grandmother when she hears the children call her son Grandpa! Alexa, Aidan, Dillon (Samantha), Keenan, and Tristan.

May God bless each of you and keep you on the road of righteousness all your lives.