Charles “Phil” P. Short

Charles “Phil” P. Short

Winthrop

Charles “Phil” P. Short, 75 of Winthrop, IA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, IA.

Phil was born on May 18, 1949, in Manchester, IA the son of Charles Peter and Catherine R. “Roberta” (Kehoe) Short. He grew up on a farm near Winthrop, IA. At the age of 16, his father passed away and Phil took on the responsibility of providing for his family, in addition to the operations of the family farm. He managed to run a successful farm operation while doing his schoolwork, football, track, FFA and be a part of the school play. He was proud to be part of the 1967 graduating class of Winthrop high school.

On December 15, 1979, Phil married Janice M. Miller at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop. Together, they raised two children, tended to their farm, and remained active in their community.

Above all, Phil was a proud family man. He cherished every moment with his loved ones and found his greatest joy in watching his family grow. His face would light up whenever he was surrounded by his grandkids, delighting in their laughter and sharing stories of his own childhood on the farm. Phil’s commitment to family was as steadfast as his commitment to the land, and he took great pride in passing on his values of hard work, integrity, and resilience to the next generation.

Phil was also a dedicated cattleman and actively promoted the future of farming. He helped organize the Buchanan County Cattlemen’s Association and was recognized as a Charter Member. He served for fifteen years on the Buchanan County Soil Conservation Board, the East Buchanan School Board, and often hired the kids in their local school district where his wife worked, to help pick up rocks and do chores at the farm. Phil also served for five years on the Camp Courageous Board of Directors.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Short, Winthrop, IA, his children, Jen and Scott Short both of Omaha, NE, three grandchildren: Norah, Amelia, and Thatcher Short, a sister, Mary Jo Short, Omaha, NE, a brother Paul (Helen) Short, Winthrop, IA, and three nephews, Joe, PJ and Brian Short.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Roberta Short.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Winthrop, IA. A rosary will be said at 3:45 PM and a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7 PM on Monday evening. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop, IA, with Very Rev. David Beckman presiding. Interment will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Monti, IA.

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