Alfred Leo Royal

Alfred Leo Royal

August 9, 1944 – December 15, 2022

Alfred Leo Royal, age 78, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2022.

Al was born on August 9, 1944, to Leo & Catherine Royal.  Al grew up in Gretna, NE, where he graduated high school in 1962. He studied 1 year of accounting classes and spent 7 years in the United States Army Reserve while starting work at Union Pacific Railroad, where he spent the next 41 years in the accounting and benefits department.

Alfred was a man who cherished God and devoted his daily prayers to the Holy Rosary and Mother Mary. He was a dedicated husband and soul mate to Betty Jo (Pibal) Royal for 54 years! Alfred was very active in the Church at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Omaha, NE, and St. Michaels Catholic parish in Harlan, IA.  Al was extremely active and committed to the Catholic vocations as he trained altar servers and was president of the Serra Club in 1992-93.  He also brought people to Jesus through RCIA and marriage encounters.  Al was an active member of the Knights of Columbus throughout his life.  Al & Betty Jo delivered communion to those in need at hospitals and those that were homebound.  Al was very active with the Henry Doorly Zoo in fundraising efforts and selling memberships.

Alfred was a man of few words with a huge heart, always looking for ways to help others and make people smile.  Al may have been soft-spoken, but his actions spoke volumes.  As his father, Leo, would say, “people watch you walk rather than listen to you talk.”

Al and Betty Jo lived the last 7 years in Harlan, IA, after spending 48 years in Omaha, NE. Although Al was a ‘self-proclaimed homebody,’ he thrived once Betty Jo got him vacationing all over the world.  They also enjoyed following the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team.  Al & Betty Jo traveled to Rome as one of their most memorable vacations, where they saw Pope John Paul II.

On October 9, 1996, Al & Betty Jo were blessed to be part of the birth of triplets – Hunter, Asia, & Elle (niece, Tami & Rob Kloewer of Harlan, IA).  They became instant “Grandparents,” and oh, did they exceed expectations in their new role.  Al lived up to his endearing new nickname ‘Papa’ up until passing away but will always be remembered as that.  Alfred & Betty Jo had many adventures with these kids traveling, touring the zoo & children’s museum, as well as supporting them through successful sports careers.

Preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Leo Royal.

Survived by his wife and soulmate of 54 years, Betty Jo Royal; sister, Colene Kobs (Larry); several special nieces and nephews; and devoted family and friends.

VISITATION: Tuesday, December 20th, 10am, followed by 11am Rosary and MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11:30am, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Ave.  Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

To view a livestream of the mass, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button.

Financial donations in Alfred’s honor can be made to the church, school, or emergency fund at:

Holy Cross Catholic Church
4810 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68106

OR

St. Michaels Catholic Church
2001 College Pl
Harlan, IA 51537

Correspondence and cards may be sent to:

Betty Jo Royal
703 Dye St #307
Harlan, IA 51537