Gene V. Albrecht, 85 of Piedmont, died Thursday, December 7, 2017, at Fountain Springs Health Care Center in Rapid City.

Gene was born May 16, 1932, in Towner, ND, to Bill and Regina (Miller) Albrecht. He was the 5th child of 9 siblings. Gene graduated from high school in 1950 where he was senior class president, state officer in FFA, was the starting center of an undefeated 6-man football team, was the drummer in the band, and sang in Glee Club.

He was united in marriage on May 25, 1953, to Faith Guthrie of Surrey, ND. They had 6 kids: Grant Albrecht, Melana (Rod) Howe, Kristie Berg, Sally (Brian) Dodge, Lois Oetker, and Holly (Scott) Kopplin. He had 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Gene worked on the North Dakota family homestead for a number of years and in November 1966, moved his family to Big Elk Ranch on Bethlehem Cave Road, north of Piedmont where he and Faith bought and operated a dairy farm for many years. In 1980, they sold their dairy cows and began ranching with beef cattle. He was proud of his beautiful home and property up Big Elk Canyon. He also prided himself as being extremely well read and could easily speak about any current event.

Gene was a country gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was a loyal husband, loved his children and grandchildren, and was a good friend. He was known to be a generous, happy person. He loved his neighbors and his lifelong "coffee" friends. Gene was the type of guy who could make friends with anyone young and old.

He was active in the community and served as President for the Piedmont PTO and Meade County Farm Bureau. Gene was an active member of the Lions Club and Catholic Church. Later in life, he very much enjoyed traveling throughout the US, Central America, and Europe.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Faith; brothers, Bill, Jim, and Don; and sisters, Beatrice and Gloria.

Visitation will be Monday, December 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church in Piedmont. A rosary service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church in Piedmont. Burial will follow at Piedmont Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for Fountain Springs Health Care Center and should be mailed to Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.