LTC ROBERT J. SHORT

LTC Robert John Short, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 24 surrounded by his wife Carol and all their children. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father, as well as a respected friend and neighbor.

Bob was born and grew up in Slayton, Minnesota. A fateful meeting with a young girl from the neighboring town of Westbrook would lead to a lifelong relationship and provide him with a sense of direction and purpose. Graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in pharmacy, he and his new wife moved to Westbrook and started a family while working for the family drug store. He joined the U.S. Navy, which took him to Corpus Christi. After completing his service, he pursued a law degree from Creighton University. He was drawn back to service and joined the U.S. Army. His military service took his family to Washington, D.C., Germany, Charlottesville, Fort Lee, and finally San Antonio, where they set down roots. He received The Army Commendation Medal in 1979, and The Meritorious Service Medal in 1983, 1986, and 1991. He also received the Legion of Merit for his service as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Army.

After retiring from the military, he pursued a teaching degree at UTSA and became a biology and chemistry teacher at Churchill High School. A renaissance man, his interests went beyond science to include auto restoration, woodworking, and construction.

Bob and Carol were both dedicated to serving their community, where they were one of the founding members of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He served in the Knights of Columbus, Social Concerns, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Ann Short, and his four children, Scott, Kristen, John, and Tiffany; his grandsons George, Kristopher, Wade, Connor, and Austin, and a granddaughter Audrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gretta, his brother Roger, as well as one son lost at childbirth, Victor. A graveside service will be on Friday, September 30, 2022 at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Slayton, MN at 1:00 p.m.