Douglas Lyle Short

Douglas Lyle Short died unexpectedly on April 7, 2023, after wrapping up the work week as a Signal Technician for Modern Railway. Doug was hardworking and proud to have been recruited back to the railroad out of retirement. Our Lord Jesus must have decided Doug had bigger jobs that needed done in Heaven, though none of us were ready to say goodbye to our “Larger than Life” Doug.

Doug was born on September 28, 1960, to Lyle and Joni (Rains) Short. Doug was born and raised in Guthrie Center, Iowa, where he was known as a charismatic and spirited GC Tiger. Doug was a shy boy, but quickly made friends and was known for his daring ways and very kind heart.

Doug went to school K-12 in Guthrie Center, IA, then to Southwestern Community College in Creston, IA, to earn his degree as an electronic technician. Doug had many successful careers in the electronic fields and lived in Raleigh, Kansas City, St. Peters, Mukwonago, then finally Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Doug especially loved his time working in Alaska and Santa Rosa, California. Doug recently went back to the work force for Modern Railway when he was “recruited” out of early retirement because he was one of the only people who knew how to do the job. Doug enjoyed his crews of guys over the years and held many friends and colleagues close to his heart. The younger techs learned a lot from Doug, who enjoyed mentoring and coaching them along to success. Doug was brilliant in the electronic field and used his charisma to lead and earn their respect.

Doug also loved the outdoors and was often outside with his dog, Captain, enjoying a smoke or a laugh. Doug rode in many of the first RAGBRAI bike rides across the state of Iowa. Doug loved to camp during RAGBRAI, have bonfires with family and friends, garden, work outside helping his son, Zachary, with Decker following along, sit outside to talk and tell stories of his wild days, go boating with Chelsea, go to Iowa football games with brothers, Scott and Steve, and his son, Zach, go to Colts games with the guys, go up North to help out Steve Dings, and just be with people. Doug treasured the many trips that he took with Chelsea, Marc, Zach, and Ashley to Alaska, and California. Erik and Kristen also traveled with Doug in Vegas and the Wine Country as well. Doug got to be with all five of his kids in Colorado in 2019, for Ryder’s wedding. Doug’s Mom, Joni Short, and sister, Kim, loved to travel to Wisconsin to see Doug and spoil some of his Grandbabies. Doug’s Mom treasured his off-the-cuff sense of humor and zest for life and loving his family and friends. Doug also cherished time with Michelle and Rory, at the Petersen Farm. They were always wonderful to Doug, who was so proud to be a Grandpa and thought Michelle was the most amazing Grandma and lifelong friend.

Doug is survived by his Mother, Joni Short, of Guthrie Center, brothers Scott Short, of Grimes, IA, Steve Short, of Urbandale, IA, sister, Kim Imming, (Todd Sadler) of Sioux City, and by five children and nine grandchildren: Zachary Short (Ashley-children Decker, Remi, and Sutton), Chelsea Petersen (Marc-child Henry), Ryder Short (Chelsea-child Phoenix), Erik Short (Kristen-child Arabella), Mandy Abbas (Dax-children Hadley, Schultz, and Rylann). Beloved nieces and nephews of Doug are as follows: Tanner, Sommer, Michael, Jessica, Jacob, Connor, Chloe, Alex, Carter, Hannah, Lexi, Danielle, and Taylor. Doug also adored in laws Debbie Dings-Smoot (Ron), Steve Dings, and Dani Artaega. Doug was preceded in death by his Dad, Lyle Short, and Dave and Elaine Dings, beloved parents in New Berlin; and Steve Imming, his adored brother-in-law.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (new location), Silver Maple Lane in Oconomowoc, with a visitation from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.