Colonel Albert John Lefko (USAF Ret.) passed away on March 20th, 2026, in Yreka, California at the age of 85. He was born on April 25th, 1940 in San Diego, California. He eventually moved with his parents to Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he spent most of his childhood. He later joined the military at the age of 18 and moved to Colorado where he met and married his wife Patricia. Together, they embarked on a life journey in the military residing in places such as Savannah, Georgia, Okinawa, Japan and later Northern California (Livermore, Napa and finally Dixon) before retiring to Yreka.
Albert dedicated 35 years of his life to the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He served at several bases in California before anchoring at Travis Air Force Base at the 349th Airlift Squadron (Air Force Reserves) Commander of several troops. He traveled to many countries globally such as Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Upon his retirement he elected to work an additional 5 years with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Throughout his lifetime he earned several degrees: two associate degrees at Napa College, a Bachelor of Science at Pacific Christian College, a Master of Science degree at Troy State University at the same time while attending and completing Air War College in Alabama.
Albert was an outstanding commander and leader. He was acknowledged with several awards and accolades during his tenure with the Air Force for his commitment and expertise.
He was a devoted husband to his wife Patricia of 62 years and is survived by his daughters, Sandra Droppelman (Scott) and MaryJo Lefko, and his beloved grandchildren, Nicholas and Natalie Droppelman. He was preceded in death by his parents John George Lefko, Mary Kurtak Lefko and his son Charles Thomas Lefko.
Albert was a passionate family man and enjoyed his aspiration and love for flying as a certified commercial pilot and instructor. He loved to travel and enjoyed working on his 200-acre ranch in Fort Jones, California. Together he and his wife Patricia enjoyed a ranch life with horses, cattle and crops. His legacy of service to his country and dedication to his family will be cherished forever.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18th, at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Jones. Interment will follow at the Fort Jones Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, St. Jude’s, or Madrone Hospice in Yreka.
sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel
