Shortenhaus, Jim (1939-2011)

SHORTENHAUS, DEARING, FISHER, EISENHAUER, JOHNSON, ABELS, LEGRIED, ANDERSON

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/2/2011 at 23:47:46

Jim Shortenhaus
(June 19, 1939 - October 23, 2011)

James Larry Shortenhaus was born in Buffalo Center, Iowa, on June 19, 1939, to John and Evelyn (Dearing) Shortenhaus. He grew up helping his parents on the family farm, where he developed his passion for farming. He received his education from Buffalo Center High School and Iowa State University.

On January 30, 1959, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Fisher. Together, they raised three children on their farm near Buffalo Center. In addition to farming the land for fifty-one years, he also raised cattle and hogs at various times. In 1981, he became the area seed dealer for the Pioneer Seed Company, a position he held for twenty-seven years. Jim received awards in his seed business and for his farming practices. Involved with the community, he also served on the Buffalo Center School Board, Co-op Oil Board, and Congregational Church Boards for many years.

Jim appreciated his family and the many friendships he had. Having participated in football during his school years, he enjoyed sharing his memories about his high school meets and amusing experiences during the 1950s. Especially fond of his five grandchildren, he enjoyed spending time with them on the farm. Many special memories were made sitting next to Grandpa Jim in the combine and at his big desk in his office. Jim and Phyllis also enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren taking part in various school and church events.

A man of solid morals and values with a strong work ethic, Jim had a personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, trusting God to see him through every situation. Following a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis, he passed away on October 23, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City, going to be with his Lord.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Eisenhauer; a sister, Catherine Johnson, and his parents.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Phyllis, of Buffalo Center, Iowa; his daughter, Deb (Dan) Abels, of Thompson, Iowa; his son, Steve (Martha) Shortenhaus, of Rake, Iowa; his grandchildren, Adam and Andrew Abels and Kelly, Makeila, and Esther Shortenhaus; his sisters, Alma Jean Legried, of Buffalo Center, Iowa, and Mary Jane (Dale) Anderson, of Clear Lake, Iowa; his mother-in-law, Edith Fisher, of Titonka, Iowa; and his father-in-law, Russell Fisher, of Algona, Iowa; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his good work ethic, his commitment to family, and his desire never to give up.

Services for Jim will be Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 10:30 AM at The First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center with burial at Olena Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center.

Copyright © 2011, Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service

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