In Memory of

Jerald

Steven

"Jake"

Short

Obituary for Jerald Steven "Jake" Short

Jerald S. “Jerry/Jake” Short, 70, of Independence, IA died on Wednesday February 19, 2020 at his home in Independence, IA.

Jerald was born on September 16, 1949, in Independence, IA, the son of Andrew and Lillian (Weber) Short. He was a 1968 graduate of St. John’s Catholic School in Independence. On January 26, 1969 he married the love of his life Connie L. Constant at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. They made their home in Independence where they raised their four children. Jerry worked at John Deere in Waterloo, IA for 30 years prior to his retirement in 2005. He also worked as an aide at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, during slow times at John Deere when they laid off many employees. Jerry also worked as a carpenter and a roofing contractor in the Independence area for 40 years.

Jerry was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He loved spending time with his family. Jerry also liked spending time outside especially fishing. He liked welding and fixing things and took on odd jobs with long time friend Ray Kirby since his retirement.

He is survived by his children; Mike (Linda) Short, Marion, IA, David (Melissa) Short, Independence, IA, Jason (Jody Bearbower) Hazleton, IA, and Amanda (Mike McNamee) Decker, Independence, IA, his seven grandchildren; Cory (Stephanie) Short, Brittany (Ryan) Hoffman, Jacob, Kolby and Trevor Short, Michael Decker, and Hyatt Hocken, five great grandchildren, a brother, Mike (Kris) Short, Bettendorf, IA, and a sister-in-law, Peggy Short, Independence, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Lillian Short, his wife, Connie Short in 2010, a brother, Thomas Short in 2018, and a sister, Rita Monahan in 1999.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday March 2, 2020 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, IA, with Rev. David Beckman Presiding. Burial will be held in St. john’s Catholic Cemetery in Independence. Visitation will be from 2 PM until 6 PM on Sunday March 1, 2020 at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home and Crematory in Independence, IA. A Rosary will be said at 2 PM by the Knights of Columbus, and a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 6 PM on Sunday.