Albert Dean Zeckser

Albert Dean Zeckser, 76, a lifelong resident of Alma, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with his devoted wife and loving sister by his side, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Edna Zeckser, and his father-in-law, Daryl Wylie.

Al Dean will be fondly remembered by all who admired his strength, Christian faith, and kindness, not to mention his one-of-a-kind sense of humor and infectious laugh. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Zeckser; his sister, Kathryn Boss (Henry), of Wichita, Kansas; his mother-in-law, Nyla Wylie, of Alma; his sister-in-law, Cathy Powell (Jeff), of Clay County, Missouri; his brother-in-law, John Wylie (Mary), of White City, Kansas; as well as seven nieces and nephews, nine great nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece.

Born on July 14, 1947, in Manhattan, Kansas, Al Dean attended St. John Lutheran School in Alma and later graduated from Alma High School in 1965. He enjoyed a long, successful career as both a butcher and meat cutter, working at several local meat lockers and processing plants over 44 years: the Alma Co-Op Meat Locker, Nehring Farms Locker (Wamego, Kansas), the Alta Vista Locker (Alta Vista, Kansas), and Alma Foods/Hormel.

But if you asked Al Dean, the farm was always the place he wanted to be. Right out of high school, he began working with his father, taking care of quarter horses, before moving on to raising Charolais cattle and later Texas Longhorn cattle. He was a true lover of animals, especially his yellow Labrador Retriever and longtime faithful companion, Sarge. Oh, the adventures the two of them had along Mill Creek! Even until his later years, Al Dean could be found repairing fence posts and walking the Zeckser pasture at Skyline Road.

In addition to his love for the outdoors, Al Dean was also a devout member of St. John Lutheran Church in Alma – he sure loved his “pew buddies” – and a member of the square dance club, the Flint Hills Squares, while also being an avid fan of Kansas State football. Go Cats!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, and those may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home. Per Al Dean’s request, there will be no funeral, but a private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.