Nicknamed “Mubba” at the West End Tavern in Millstadt at a very early age, meaning “fat German baby”, as we were told, he lived above the tavern with his family. He attended St. James Grade School where his love for sports began. He graduated from Althoff High School in 1975, where he excelled as a 3 sport athlete, shining in football, baseball, and his favorite, basketball. He played football for one year at SEMO, then transferred to North Central College to play baseball where he enjoyed his time behind the plate. Mubba played American Legion baseball for 3 years where he led his team to a state championship in 1975 after his senior year. He was inducted into the Belleville American Legion Hall of Fame in 2013. He also played with the Millstadt VFW Mon-Clair League for 9 years.
Mubba cherished his Monday night golf and cards league that he played in with his closest friends for 35 years. For many years he was dedicated to his Calcutta and college basketball pool that he loved putting together with his closest friend and brother, Bing. He was very successful at his pools, leagues, horserace handicapping, and fantasy sports. Mubba was the kind of person that took pride in being the best he could be at all the things he enjoyed and the things that were important to him.
Mubba retired this year from Belleville West, having taught Special Education for 24 years. In his early career, he taught at Blessed Sacrament, Cathedral, and MCS.
Mubba dedicated his life to education and coaching, as his passion was to help kids grow, learn, and mature. He valued his time coaching whether it was for his own boys or his many teams. His players (and students) had great respect for Mr. Alberter, as he thrived on making ALL his players and students feel important. Countless times his former students and players have reached out to him after many years to thank him and let him know what a large, powerful, and positive influence he had on their lives.
Mubba climbed the mountain of unique and busy lifestyle, after losing his own father at a very young age. He persevered to get a college degree, move into a small trailer with a very modest salary, to retiring after over 35 years in education. He raised 3 successful young men, and took care of his wife Jane, for more than 34 years. Mubba and Jane met at “B” Street Bar in Belleville on Mubba’s 27th birthday. They instantly made a connection and dated for only seven months before they became engaged over a fish sandwich and a beer at the West End Tavern. He absolutely adored Jane and cared more about her well-being than anything. They wanted a loving, close family together and succeeded in every way.
Mubba is preceded in death by his mother Aurelia “Really”, nee Mueth, father Richie, father and mother-in-law, Dick and Betty Safarian, brother, Dennis “Bing” Alberter, and brother-in-law, Dennis, “Doc” Marlen.
Surviving is his wife Jane, nee Safarian, his 3 sons and daughter in law, Eric, Ryan, and AJ (Abby), his sister Nancy Marlen, brother, Gary Alberter, his brother-in-law Mike Safarian , many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and countless number of cousins and friends who will cherish Mubba’s memory forever.
Memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2018 and 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.
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