Nadene Albrecht

Nadene Albrecht, 92, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas. Born on December 6, 1933, in Russell County, Kansas, she lived a life marked by faith, service, and a deep love for her family and community.

Nadene was the daughter of Gottfried (G. Fred) and Helene (Stoppel) Mai. She grew up alongside her siblings Frieda Karst, Esther Stettinger, Judith Scheck, and Karl Mai, all of whom preceded her in death. Baptized on February 4, 1934, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Russell and confirmed on May 25, 1947, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Galatia, Nadene’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. At St. John's Lutheran Church, she served on the Altar Guild, taught children, and held leadership roles such as Sunday School Superintendent and President of the Church Council.

Nadene’s professional life was as vibrant as her personal one. She held various positions early in her career, including church secretary and selective service clerk. However, it was in real estate that she truly found her calling. As a real estate broker with a servant's heart and an engaging personality, Nadene thrived in her work. She found time to serve in various business and civic organizations at local and state levels, and she was elected President of Kansas's Women Council of Realtors in 1985.

Creativity and music were lifelong passions for Nadene. Though she had no formal training or ability to read music, she sang in the choir and played piano by ear with joy in the Lord. She also enjoyed artistic challenges and took pride in writing generational pieces for local newspapers in western Kansas.

Family was central to Nadene’s life. She married Robert Henry Albrecht on September 22, 1957. She is survived by her son Martin (Shari), daughter Maia (Rafael Gonzalez), four grandchildren—Claire (Tyler) and Birdie; Joshua (Sarina) and Gabriel (Alexandra)—and three great-grandchildren: Joel, Jane, and Henry. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who cherished her warmth and joy.

Despite facing health struggles later in life, Nadene remained committed to helping others. She recognized the gifts God had given her to listen with compassion and offer support to those around her. Her love for people extended to embracing technology so as to stay connected with family and friends when travel became difficult.

Nadene’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her for her abiding faith, hopeful spirit, and a love that flowed from Him who loved her first.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 13, 2026, 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd. preceded by visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Inurnment will occur on a date to be determined at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Russell. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Topeka, or St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, Russell.