Bernadette Albers Shafer 1922 - 2026
Tom Estes
Bernadette Albers Shafer died peacefully on July 1, 2026. She was born to Will and Emma Spieglhauer Rauch on November 5, 1922, in Ledbetter, Texas.
After Bernadette finished school, she worked in the Ledbetter post office and in Houston. After World War II, she married Leroy J. Albers and they moved to Bishop, Texas. They lived in Lawton, Oklahoma, when they Lee was called back into service during the Korean War. They then returned to Bishop to make their permanent home.
Bernadette was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran church since 1951. She served in several capacities with the women’s circle and as a Sunday school teacher for many years. As a member of the Ruth Circle, she enjoyed the Bible studies and friendships, along with the sewing of quilts that the circle made each year. She was also an active member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the American Legion posts in Kingsville and later in Bishop. She worked for many years at Hartgrave’s Hardwear and later at Kaiser’s Flower Shop. Bernadette loved to travel, and she was able to take trips aboard and several cruises. Each one was her “favorite” when she would return home.
Bernadette lived through many of the world events that shaped America, and are now part of our history books. She witnessed man highs and lows, including all of the accomplishments and technological advances that occurred throughout the past century. Her loyalty to her family, church, and country were very important to her.
Bernadette was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Vivian and Orie; her brother Otis; her husbands Leroy J. Albers and Howard L. Shafer; her son-in-law Kenneth R. Wallgren; and her great-granddaughter Emma Wallgren.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter Sheryl Wallgren; her grandsons and their wives John (Jennifer) and Eric (Jenny); her three great-grandchildren Kyler, Carlee, and Otis; and her great-great grandson Kenneth.
Thank you to the members of St. John’s for your love and help, as well as to the staff at Meridian Care for your services of love and care these last four months. Your kindness is forever remembered in our hearts.
Memorial gifts can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, The Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Jude’s hospital.
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM with a Church Service at 12:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church 801 E Main St, Bishop, TX. followed by Burial at Restland Memory Park in Bishop.
Arrangements are by Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St., Alice.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Facebook.