Albert Rilinger

Albert J. Rilinger, 88, Axtell, died Friday, February 16 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, Seneca.
Al was born February 7, 1919 on a farm north of Seneca to George J. and Mary Fangman Rilinger. He spent his early years on the farm with his parents and worked for different farmers in the area. He attended school at St. Benedict and at Sts. Peter and Paul.
Al entered the U.S. Army on March 30, 1942 and was sent to Camp Barkley, Texas where he was assigned to the 359th Infantry Regiment of the 90th Infantry Division. He was sent to England in March 1944 and participated in the invasion on Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944.He fought through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Czechoslovakia with his unit. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal and the European Campaign Ribbon with the Bronze Arrowhead Device and five bronze campaign stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Oak Leaf cluster, Combat Infantry Badge and he qualified as a marksman with the rifle. He was a Platoon Sergeant in charge of 45 men during most of his European service. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army on October 26, 1945.
Al was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church where he served on the parish council and was an usher in the church. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Al was an active member of the VFW and the R.R. Hendricks American Legion Post No. 214 where he served in various capacities including Commander, Adjutant and Sergeant at Arms. He also served one tour as the commander of the American Legion County Council. Al also served his community on the Marion Township board.
He married Alice M. Madden January 3, 1946. She preceded him in death September 29, 1995. The couple had enjoyed traveling and went on trips to Nashville, Washington D.C., and Las Vegas. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, playing cards and calling and playing BINGO.
He farmed for over 50 years raising cattle, hogs, chickens and growing corn, milo, soybeans, wheat and hay.
Al entered Crestview Manor on August 16, 2005 where he lived and enjoyed visits from family and friends.
Mr. Rilinger is survived by two daughters, Elaine M. Rilinger, Axtell and Janice M. Kussman and her husband, Richard, Forest Hill, Maryland; six brothers, Aloysius Rilinger, Overland Park, Raymond Rilinger, Seneca, George Rilinger, Orlando, Florida, Edgar Rilinger, Canton, Ohio, Paul Rilinger, Seneca, and Emmett Rilinger, Parker, Colorado; three sisters, Sister Dorothy Marie Rilinger, Leavenworth, Ann Ruefer, Davenport, Iowa and Sister Jean Marian Rilinger, Leavenworth; and two grandsons, Eric Kussman, BelAir, Maryland and Dirk Kussman, Germentown, Maryland. He was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin Rilinger, February 17, 1969.
Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Axtell with Father Albert Hauser, O.S.B. presiding. A rosary was prayed at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Axtell. Bruce and Michelle Buessing were the Eucharist Ministers. St. Michael's Choir provided music. Casket bearers were Gene Rilinger, Jerry Rilinger, Don Rilinger, Kenny Rilinger, Ted Rilinger, Mike Rilinger and Mark Rilinger. Honorary casket bearers were his grandsons, Eric and Dirk Kussman. Burial was at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Axtell. Military honors were conducted by the R.R. Hendricks American Legion Post No. 214, Axtell.
Memorial contributions may be left to St. Michael's Catholic School, Axtell and left in care of the funeral home. Landreth-Popkess Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.