Albert Latza, 88, died of pneumonia on April 12, 2014, in Pawnee City, Neb.
Funeral services were held in Pawnee City on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, with burial in the DuBois Cemetery in DuBois, Neb. Arrangements were handled by Wherry Mortuary.
Albert was born on March 31, 1926 to Tony and Anna Latza. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Letcher, and graduated from Letcher High School in 1944. He moved to Pawnee City, Neb. to work in the implement dealership owned by his uncle. There he met Mildred Daniel and they were married on April 16, 1950. He was drafted into the Army and the couple moved to Ft. Knox, Ken., where Albert served as a welding instructor.
Upon his honorable discharge in 1954, the couple settled in Pawnee City, where Albert established Pawnee Iron Works. The business remained in operation for more than 50 years.
Albert also served on the Pawnee City Council, was a member of the American Legion, and twice served as president of the Nebraska Blacksmiths, Welders and Machinists Association, which honored him in 1978 with its Hall of Fame Award.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred; his son, Bill of New York City; sister, Betty (Jim) Anderson of Baltic; sister-in-law, Carol Latza of Mitchell; nieces, Sherri (Wes) Stekl of Letcher, Barbie Nadeau of Rome, Italy, Lori (Chris) Croghan of Sioux Falls, Amy (Troy) Olson of Forestburg; and nephew Greg (Jodi) Latza of Sioux Falls.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Eugene of Mitchell (formerly of Letcher).