Francis Al Albertson

Al Albertson, 84, passed away peacefully at his home on April 9, 2026, with his devoted wife by his side.

Born on March 2, 1942, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Francis and Violette Albertson, Al grew up in Pocatello alongside his siblings Nadine, Kay, and LaRae. From an early age, Al had a spirited personality and a mischievous streak that became part of his lifelong charm. His teenage years were filled with memorable pranks and adventures, and at 17, after collecting one too many speeding tickets, he chose to enlist in the United States Army. He served proudly in Germany from 1959 to 1962.

After returning home, Al married Hazel Kinney in 1962, and together they welcomed three children: Shelly, Jake, and Dusty. During those years, he worked for Kraft Foods, Coca-Cola and Okay’s Market where he learned the trade of a butcher. The family moved to Boise, Idaho where he worked as a butcher at Buttery’s Market. Though Al and Hazel later went their separate ways, they remained lifelong friends.

While working at Buttery’s, Al met Patricia Lee, who worked in the bakery. They married on April 25, 1971, and Al lovingly embraced Pat’s sons, Chris and Brett, as his own. In 1973, they welcomed their daughter, Stacie, completing their blended family. The couple eventually moved to Burns, Oregon, to be closer to Pat’s family—a place that would remain home for the rest of Al’s life.

Al was a hardworking, self-made man who built his livelihood with his own hands. Upon returning to Burns, he worked at Tiller’s Market as a butcher, the Edward Hines Lumber Mill and eventually he owned and operated Al’s Custom Cutting, providing butchering and meat-wrapping services throughout Harney County. After selling the business, he launched NW Tree Service, a venture that took him and his family across the Western United States—Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. These years on the road created countless memories and stories his family still treasures. For a time, the family lived in Ridgeway, Colorado, while working on a powerline clearance contract before returning to Burns, where he continued working closer to home.

A dedicated member of the Burns Elks Lodge #1680, Al formed lifelong friendships and served throughout the ranks, including exalted ruler on multiple occasions. He took great pride in the mission of the Elks and gave generously of his time, energy, and heart to the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Some of his other favorite pastimes were fishing and golf.

Above all, Al was a family man. He taught his children the value of honesty, hard work, and resilience—lessons that shaped each of their lives. In 1981, he stepped into one of his favorite roles: grandfather. Over the years, he was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, each one holding a special place in his heart. His greatest joy, however, was his wife of 55 years, Pat, whose unwavering love and care were constant throughout his life.

Al is survived by his wife, Pat; his children Chris Lee (Jennie) of Hines, OR; Shelly Ward (Tex) of Burns, OR; Brett Lee (Bridget) of Boise, ID; Jake Albertson (Sam) of North Branch, MN; Dusty Jensen (Alicia) of Hines, OR; and Stacie Rothwell (Sean) of Hines, OR and beloved and cherished extended family, Ping Fox of Powell Butte, OR; along with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, and he was the last surviving member of his generation in the Albertson family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.