William "Bill" Lubke

William James “Bill” Lubke, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Inurnment will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea.

Bill was born on August 31, 1951, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Paul and Twila (Jensen) Lubke. The family later moved to Albert Lea to run and co-own the Stables Supper Club, where Bill worked during his teen years. Bill graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1969. On October 16, 1971, he married Mary Jordahl, his high school sweetheart, at First Lutheran Church. Together they lovingly raised three children.

Bill’s gift of conversation allowed him the pleasure of meeting many people throughout his working in sales and management at Leuthold’s clothing store and KATE Radio.

Bill enjoyed playing golf, fishing trips to Canada, and talking baseball. In recent years, he loved cheering on his grandchildren at their many sporting events. His life revolved around his family, and nothing made him happier than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Mary; children, Susan (Jason) Schmidt of Victoria, MN, Joseph Lubke, of Albert Lea, and Brooke (Jeremy) Jacobson, of Albert Lea; grandchildren, Benjamin, John, Charles, and Nora; sisters, MarJean (Dan) Riley, Janet (Pete) Schumaker, and Deborah (Dan) Beighley; a sister-in-law, Kristie Jordahl and many dearly loved nieces and nephews, and other close friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Twila Lubke; sister, Linda (Lubke) Lair, and her husband, Jerry; father and mother-in-law, Merle and Dorothy (Lindahl) Jordahl; a brother-in-law, Brian Jordahl; and a sister-in-law, Susan Jordahl.

The family wishes to extend a sincere “Thank You” to the teams at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic Hospice of the compassionate care they provided to Bill.