Joseph “Joe” Short, age 71 of Aurora, passed away on Friday, Nov. 29, at home suddenly from an apparent heart attack.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, with a rosary and wake service to follow, also at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton. Skroch Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Joseph was born on Oct. 9, 1953, to Donald and Isabelle (Gebhart) Short. He attended country school and went on to graduate from Elkton High School in 1972. After high school, Joseph worked in construction for a time, at 3M for four years and then at the Watertown Glass Shop. Joseph then continued his education attending IHM Seminary in Winona, MN, from 1982 to 1986, and then Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, from 1986 to 1990. Joseph was ordained a Catholic Priest on May 31, 1990. He served parishes in the northern part of the Diocese of Sioux Falls through the early 2000s.
In recent years, Joseph also received an additional Master’s Degree, and worked for the SD Services for the Blind in Sioux Falls. Joseph worked as a bus driver with BATA (Brookings Area Transit Authority) and the Brookings School District. He was involved with many respect life concerns. Joseph enjoyed bike riding, gardening, and other outdoor activities.
Joseph is survived by his siblings; Mary (Gary) Messerli, Sioux Falls, SD, Edward (Vanessa) Short, Aurora, SD, Robert (Mary Jane) Short, Aurora, SD, Susan (Douglas) Nelson, Canyon Lake, TX, and Father John Short, Redfield, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charles Short, Aurora, SD.
Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice.
