Alta Birdeena Stock Fahrenbruch was born February 18, 1927, to William
Winton and Erma Fern Matson Stock in rural Hitchcock County NE. She
passed away on August 22, 2021, at the Andbe Home, Norton, KS at the age
of 94.
Alta was the oldest of three children. Being a teacher was always
Alta’s goal even as a little girl. She had a strong nurturing nature and
wanted to be the teacher whenever she played with her siblings or other
children. She attended District #3 Hitchcock County where she was
double promoted, graduating from the 8th grade in 1939. She never
wavered from her interest in becoming a teacher. While attending high
school in Culbertson, Nebraska, she would substitute teach in the 4th
grade while continuing to take three high school courses. Alta graduated
from Culbertson High School in 1943 at the age of 16. Her first
teaching job was in a one room schoolhouse in District #6 Hitchcock
County. She went on to teach in other County schools. She continued her
education while teaching in the classroom and raising three children of
her own. Alta received a Bachelors of Education, and a Masters of
Library Science from Fort Hays State University.
After moving to Norton, Kansas in the fall of 1964, Alta taught
third grade in the Norton school system for many years. She established
and managed the Eisenhower Elementary Library. Alta’s commitment to
education continued throughout her life. She enjoyed storytelling and
reading aloud to children. She could quiet a room of restless children
just by beginning to read or tell a story in a quiet voice. Her delight
was in encouraging a reluctant reader, or in matching a book to a
child’s interest. Alta continued to tutor students after her retirement
in 1993. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren all remember Gram
reading to them. Even this year, Alta had former students telling her
that she was their favorite teacher!
Growing flowers was Alta’s specialty. She was well known around
Norton for the beautiful flowers she raised and cared for in a garden by
her home in downtown Norton. Her garden was a riot of vibrant colors
and fragrant blooms that she delighted in sharing with anyone who
stopped by. Family was a priority for her, and she spent time being
involved in their activities. Alta researched her family’s genealogy and
created meticulous records. She was an accomplished cook and baker with
her pies being the favorites of many.
Alta Fahrenbruch was a woman of quiet, deep faith. She placed a high
value on loyalty and integrity. Keeping your word and being honest were
foundational values she stressed with her children, and with her
students.
Alta and Don Fahrenbruch were high school sweethearts, marrying
December 29, 1947. Three children were born to this marriage, Aleta
Atkinson and her husband Bill Atkinson live in Georgetown, TX, Dea
Fahrenbruch lives in Hays, KS, and Von Fahrenbruch and his wife Kris
Fahrenbruch live in Norton, KS.
She is preceded in death by her parents, W. W. and Fern Stock;
husband, Don Fahrenbruch; brother, Arthur Stock and sister-in-law Dixie
Stock; sister, Lavena Marks and brother-in-law, Russ Marks;
granddaughter, Honor Fahrenbruch, and great granddaughter, Savannah
Borden.
Alta was loved by her family and friends who will miss her loyal
support and encouragement. She is survived by her three children and
their spouses. She is Gram to six grandchildren: Tamara Atkinson, Marc
Atkinson and wife, Aimee, Daniel Atkinson and wife, Kelly, Kiel
Fahrenbruch and wife, Kristen, and Kayla Pfannenstiel and husband Shane;
nine great grandchildren: Ruby Borden, Caroline and Collin Fahrenbruch,
Molly Atkinson, Sofia and Kayden Pfannenstiel, Jake and Cade Hall, and
Rowan Atkinson; many nieces, nephews, friends, and former students also
had a special place in her heart.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 4,
2021 at the Trinity Episcopal Church, Norton. Inurnment will follow at
the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Friday, September
3 at the Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654.
Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com