Isabelle C. Short

Posted

Isabelle Short, 93, of Brookings, formerly of Aurora, passed away on Saturday morning, January 27, 2018, at the United Living Community in Brookings, SD.

Isabelle Casilda Gebhart was born on a farm near Elkton, SD, the 7th child of 11 children of George and Margaret (Lanners) Gebhart on July 9, 1924. She attended St. Mary’s school for three years and completed her elementary education at rural Parnell #5. Her high school years were spent in Elkton. After graduation she attended Dakota State University, Madison, SD and South Dakota State University in Brookings where she completed her Master of Education degree. Isabelle taught nine years in rural schools and later taught for 24 years at the Elkton Public School. Approximately 17 of these years she was the first Elementary Principal in Elkton. Isabelle married Donald Short on February 17, 1947 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton and to this union seven children were born.

She served on the Elkton Community Library Board and Community Museum Board. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Aurora and the Catholic Daughters of Brookings. She has served on St. Williams Parish Council, Alter Society and Cemetery Boards. She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings.

Isabelle is survived by her children: Mary (Gary) Messerli, Sioux Falls, SD, Charles Short, Aurora, SD, Edward (Vanessa) Short, Aurora, SD, Robert (Mary Jane) Short, Aurora, SD, Joseph Short, Aurora, SD, Susan (Douglas) Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD, and Father John Short, Mitchell, SD; 13 grandchildren: James (Tanya) Baker, Heather (Gary) Baker-Henningsen, Vikki Robertson, Chad (Kaydee) Short, Lexi Short, Eric Short, Jennifer (Scott) Gladis, Angela (Eric) DeNure, Matthew (Desiree) Short, Michael (Kelly) Short, Bobbi Jo Short, Greg (Meagan) Nelson, and Austin Nelson; 21 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Francis Van Sambeek; sister-in-law, Phyllis Poppen; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Isabelle was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Short; her parents; seven brothers, Joseph Gebhart, Leo (Matilda) Gebhart, Felix (Vera) Gebhart, John Gebhart, George (Anastasia) Gebhart, Edward Gebhart, and Richard Gebhart; three sisters, Mary (Nick) Peterson, Margaret (Loyd) Leiferman, and Theresa Van Sambeek; sister-in-law, Shirley (Leonard) Harvey; and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings with burial following at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Elkton. Visitation will begin on Friday, February 2, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service and Rosary at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. www.skrochfc.com