Theo's biggest contribution to the Aldi empire was his frugality. He was known to use pencils down to their stubs, wore cheap suits, and never allowed the stores to divulge in fancy decor.
Albrecht's Aldi Nord division did not give a cause of death in a released statement in 2010. He was survived by his two sons, Berthold and Theo Jr.
Berthold died two years after his father.
Source: Bloomberg, Forbes, The Guardian