Albert Emile Van Luchene

1922 - 2024

Albert Emile Van Luchene

SHERIDAN, WY - Albert Emile Van Luchene was born on October 3, 1922, to August Joseph Van Luchene and Irma Rosalie Christiaens in Huntley, MT, and attended Huntley Project Schools in Worden, MT. He helped his parents, brothers, and sister operate a dairy farm and was only nine years old when his father died in a farming accident. Albert went to be with his precious Lord and Savior on July 24, 2024, and leaves behind 100+ years of loving memories.

He volunteered for the U.S. Army October 30, 1940, and completed his basic training in Monterey, CA. He was then transferred to Ft. Douglas, Salt Lake, UT. He joined the 94th Army Infantry Division at Camp Phillips, KS, and then served at Camp McCain, MS. To begin his European theater tour, he was transferred to Camp Shanks, NY, and then shipped via the RMS Queen Elizabeth to England. His Division was transported to France at Normandy in August 1944. Albert experienced combat as a Communications Sergeant for D Company through France and Germany and fought with his Company in the Battle of the Bulge. When the war ended, he was in Czechoslovakia and sent back to the States. He received an honorable discharge from the Army on November 18, 1945, at Camp McCoy, WI.

Albert married his sweetheart Ruth Helen George on May 19, 1943, and they raised three sons and two daughters in Billings, MT.

After his Army service, he worked as a farmer, small appliance repairman, major appliance repairman, and Whirlpool Factory Warranty Service Dealer. He retired in 1997 following the death of his beloved Ruth.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his sons. After living in Billings, MT, all of his life, he moved to Sheridan, WY, to live with his daughter and son-in-law in 2016.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Helen, parents, August and Irma, three brothers: Frank, Dan, and Victor, his sister, Mary, son-in-law, Larry Hayes, daughter-in-law, Darcy Van Luchene, and grandson, Justin Hayes. He is survived by his younger brother, Arthur (Betty); and five children: Darrell (Sue), Donna (Rudy), Janice, Ronald (Jennifer) and Kenneth. He leaves behind 10 surviving grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

Viewing and visitation will be held at Smith West Funeral Home, 304 34th Street West, Billings, MT, on Sunday August 4, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 537 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT, on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Internment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Central Avenue in Billings. A luncheon reception will be held in the church basement following the Internment.

Albert was an avid supporter of Lutheran education and was instrumental in the development of and ground maintenance for Trinity Lutheran School in Billings. He requests that memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran School, Financial Student Grants, 2802 Belvedere Drive, Billings, MT 59102, or a charity of your choice.

Rest in Everlasting Peace, Popo.