Alvin C. Rickert, 101, of Richland, Nebraska, died Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Bill Mattfeld officiating.  Interment with military honors by the American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard will be in Calvary Cemetery, rural Columbus.  Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested as those of donors choice or family choice.

Alvin was born on his family farm in rural Colfax County on January 20, 1925, to John Ludwig Valentine and Eunice (Witters) Rickert. Alvin attended elementary school in Richland and graduated from Kramer High in Columbus in 1941 at the age of 16, skipping two grades.

Alvin was drafted into the US Army and served in the Philippines and Korea during the closing months of WW2 from February 20, 1945, with an honorable discharge on December 13, 1946.  After his discharge from the military, Alvin worked on his dad's farm, with time working at the Railway Express company, Soil Mover, and finally as a machinist with Behlen Manufacturing Company for over 20+ years while continuing to farm until his retirement.

On September 20, 1950, Alvin married the love of his life, Mabel Frese at Christ Lutheran Church.   To this union Alvin and Mabel raised five children on Alvin's family farm. Alvin and Mabel were longtime members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus where Alvin along with regularly attending weekend services, for a time attended Bible study sessions after Mabel's passing in 1998.  Alvin was the oldest member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  He enjoyed his coffee club at McDonald's, and spending time and building memories with his grandchildren.

Alvin loved to read and had an extraordinary memory. You could ask him questions about almost anything and he would almost always seem to know something about the subject but was also humble with his knowledge. He was quite a craftsman where he enjoyed woodworking and building numerous wood furniture and craft items for his children and grandchildren. Alvin also owned and operated a Cessna 150 airplane and belonged to the Flying Farmers where he flew to multiple sites in and out-of-state Nebraska, serving as past president of this organization.  Alvin commented on occasion how he was amazed how Mabel would sometimes fly along where she put trust in his flying abilities.

Alvin is survived by:
Daughter - Deb Runge of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren - Travis Runge; Nathan Runge; Rachel (Derek) Schafer & Zach & Jenna; Michele (Caleb) Martin & Lenni and Hazel
Son -  Mark (Joan) Rickert of rural Richland, NE
Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren - Dustin (Melody) Rickert & Evelyn, Madelyn, and Ashlyn; Darcy (Zane) Patrick & Zayden
Daughter - Barb (Joe) Albracht of rural Columbus, NE
Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren - Clint (Kelli) Albracht & Clara; Megan (Bryce) Dutton
Daughter - Chris (Paul) Dirkschneider of rural Schuyler, NE
Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren - Christopher (Laura) Dirkschneider & Tristan and Alexander; Brad (Nikki) Dirkschneider & Gage, Noah, Mason, and Brady; Clayton (Jenn) Dirkschneider & Finn and Milo; Bethany (Michael) Dostal & Lydia, Millie and Laney; Kelsey (Brian) Yosten & Lucas, Dax and Hayes
Son -  Dave Rickert of rural Richland, NE

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mabel; sister Virginia (Milton) Ewert; brother Jim (Mildred); infant brother Harold; and nephew Edward Ewert.