Albert Neidhardt, 95, Richardton, ND died Monday, February 5, 2007 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Albert’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2007 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, with Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will follow at the Kyseth Cemetery, Marshall. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a vigil at 7:30 p.m., with Deacon Ralph Stockert presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Albert Martin Neidhardt was born September 30, 1911 on his parents homestead near Hebron, ND. He was the son of Jacob and Mary (Ding) Neidhardt and was raised and educated in the home area, helping his father on the farm.
Albert married Joan Celia Biereg on March 19, 1939 and together they raised seven children. Following their marriage Albert farmed and ranched in the Richardton area and developed a fondness for horses. In the ‘30’s and ‘40’s there were lots of wild horses and he began breaking them for ranchers and also for work horses for farmers in the area. Sometimes this was done for $5, or for room and board, and over the years had raised and bought hundreds of horses.
As time went on he acquired and leased bucking horses to rodeos and had also signed on as a “pick-up man”. Albert had built an arena on his ranch and in the summers cowboys would come together to match their abilities against one another and for fellowship. This same arena was used by his own sons, grandsons and area youngsters for high school rodeo practice. Albert became well known for his ability to recognize what he called “an honest horse” and sold to buyers as far away as New York state; these horses were for people of all ages and riding abilities.
Albert was active in establishing rodeo clubs in Dodge, Richardton and Hebron. In 1989 he served as the Grand Marshall of the Dodge jubilee Parade. Over the years he was awarded plaques and was recognized for his giving of his time and talents and for being a symbol of the western way of life. Albert and his son Don became interested in using an antique horse drawn hearse for funerals and over the years had provided this for many services; this same hearse will transport Albert the last stretch to his final resting place.
Albert is survived by his wife, Joan, Dickinson; five children, Joyce (Melvin) Gress, Mandan, Jim (Karen) Neidhardt, Marana, AZ, Terry Neidhardt, Williston, Larry Neidhardt, Bismarck, and Jeff (Kaye) Neidhardt, Fountain Hills, AZ; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Cordie (John’s wife), and Selma (Art’s wife), in California. He was preceded in death by his parents, two children, Ruby Hoff in December of 1988 of cancer and Don from a horse accident in 1999, also one great-grandchild, four sisters, Hulda, Catherine, Hattie and Lydia, and four brothers, John, Jake, Ted and Art.
