Mr. Dennis Ronald Albers

DENNIS RONALD ALBERS Dennis Ronald Albers beloved father and husband was called home on February 2, 2011 and God said “well done good and faithful servant”. Dennis was born April 25, 1953 in Hays, Kansas the son of Roy and Marie (Tiny) Albers. He graduated from Palco High School and left to see the world with just a smile and a backpack. He traveled Europe for 3 months visiting 17 countries where he developed a genuine love of other cultures. After serving his country in the United States Air Force as a Sergeant he went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree at the University Of Kansas in 1987. Dennis had a devoted career to Douglas County, Kansas for 24 years, where he gave his time and talents in the area of mapping and GIS (geographic information systems). Dennis worked as a GIS Coordinator in the Douglas County Appraiser’s office for over twenty years before being recently promoted to the GIS Director for Douglas County. Throughout Dennis’ career he was a member of professional organizations, including KAM (Kansas Association of Mappers) and IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers) where he earned a prestigious CMS (Cadastral Mapping Specialist) designation. Dennis served on many IAAO committees and gave back to the mapping industry by becoming an IAAO Senior Instructor teaching various mapping courses. Dennis will be remembered as a well- respected individual in the society of professional mappers. Dennis was a founding member of JumpStart Sudan, a Christian nonprofit organization which provides humanitarian aid to Akon, Sudan. He served on the board from 2002 to 2010 with six years as Treasurer. The members of that board held a deep respect and affection for Dennis and his wit, dry sense of humor and passion for helping the people of Sudan. He accompanied JSS Executive Director Akot Arech to Sudan on a mission trip in 2005 and wanted to return someday to do more. He is survived by wife Christine and sons Mark Paonessa (Elisa) of Moore, OK and Michael, his mother Marie Albers, sister Marie Albers, brother Dr. Robert Albers (Lynne) of Albuquerque, NM and niece Jennifer (Dan) Kysar and nephew Wade Albers. Services will be held at Indian Creek Community Church, 12480 Blackbob Rd., Olathe, Ks 66062. Visitation Thursday evening, 02/10/2011 from 6:00-8:00 pm and funeral service Friday, 02/11/2011 10:00 am. Burial follows at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in his memory to Jumpstart, P.O. Box 4471, Olathe, Ks 66063-4471 and please visit www.jumpstartsudan.org/help.

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Mr. Dennis Ronald Albers

April 25, 1953 - February 2, 2011