Richard Lee Short

Richard Lee Short

Winthrop

Richard Lee, Short, 81, of Winthrop, IA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his beloved wife and children on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with blood cancer.

Richard was born on August 29, 1943, in Independence, IA, the oldest son of Patrick and Dorothy Short. He grew up on a farm outside of Monti, IA, where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. He enjoyed sharing his story of driving the tractor when he was five.

He was a proud graduate of the first class of East Buchanan High School in 1961 and went on to participate in various activities in his community. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church serving as an altar boy, coordinating Bingo fundraising, and belonging to the Knights of Columbus. He served as a past board member of the Buchanan County Pork Producers and was a board member and past president of the Buffalo Creek Golf Course, of which he was the only remaining continuous original member. Richard was also a skilled card player and enjoyed playing in many men's and couples’ groups throughout the years.

On August 24, 1968, Richard married Arduth Kelley at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop. He started his successful farming career by farming rented land while also being a top seller for Vigortone feed to other local farmers in the area. Some of his fondest memories are the trips through Vigortone they were able to travel on. Together Richard and Arduth bought their own land outside of Winthrop, where they raised their three children whom he was especially proud of along with his grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-six years, Arduth, and their cherished children: Rodney (Joanna) Short, Bettendorf, IA, Randy (Amy) Short, Lebanon, IL, and Christine (Todd) Berryhill, Ames, IA; eight grandchildren; Abbie (Angelo) Coniglio, Adam, Alex, and Aric Berryhill; Kelly, Katie, Calvin, and Ryan Short; a brother, Donald (Janet) Short, Winthrop, IA, two sisters; Beverly (Dennis) Smith, Mesquite, NV, and Ann (Haven) Speckman, Farmington, MN, along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Dorothy, and a brother, Thomas Short.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Richard’s memory to a charity of your choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop, IA, with Very Rev. David Beckman presiding. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Winthrop. Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Friday, December 20th at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Winthrop, IA. A Rosary will be said at 3:30 PM and a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7 PM on Friday.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.