Gene Wilbur Short

Gene Wilbur Short, 94, transitioned from this life to the next on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Gene was born on April 14, 1930, in Peoria, to George and Dorothy (Lukehart) Short. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1949. Gene’s ROTC involvement during high school led him to nine years of service in the Illinois Air National Guard, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 169th Fighter-Intercept Squadron. During his service, he worked as an aircraft mechanic. His superior aptitude led him to be offered a full-time job. Instead, Gene chose to attend Bradley University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. While attending Bradley, he worked at Pabst Brewing Company to pay for his tuition. Upon his graduation from Bradley, he accepted a position at R.G. LeTourneau Company. During his 40+ year career, he watched LeTourneau change over the years to WABCO, American Standard, Dresser, and finally Komatsu. Gene worked in the Engineering and Marketing departments, showing a mastery and aptitude in both. Upon his retirement in 1994, he held the position of Chief Engineer of Loaders and Excavators in the Haulpak Division. Gene was a very curious man and was always eager to learn new things. His hobbies and interests included: woodworking, painting, antique clock repair, yoga, meditation, camping, fishing, and drinking an ice-cold beer. He was also an avid reader and history buff. Always active, always busy, and a true handyman, Gene was known to work diligently on home improvement projects inside and outside, car maintenance, and literally anything that needed to be done. Gene was physically active and in his late 60s took up cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and bicycling. He loved taking annual ski trips to various locations in Colorado and took over 40 long-distance bike rides with his friends. Many people in the Peoria area may remember the lemonade stand shaped like a lemon that graced the Heart of Illinois Fair for many years. Gene designed and built that lemonade stand. Gene grew his deep Christian faith during the 30+ years he attended Northwoods Community Church. He also spent many years attending community Bible study at Grace Presbyterian Church. He volunteered for many years at Northwoods and at Samaritan’s Purse. Through his faith, he developed many close friendships with pastors, staff, and congregations and lent his talents by volunteering for many church-related projects. Gene is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shirley, son Chris (Susan) Short of Greenfield, MO, daughters Julie (Randy) Henderson of Pleasant Plains, IL, Sue (Dave) Salrin of Peoria, and Karen (Bret) Johnson of Peoria, seven grandchildren, Jenny Short, Angie (Shawn) Cranford, Ellie Salrin, Allison (Justin) Ernisse, Nicole (Tyler) Beard, Cody Short, and Casey Short, six great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, six grand-dogs, two cousins, and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dottie Dunn. Gene was a shining example of what a son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather should be…kind, generous, humble, hard-working, always thinking of other people and how he could help. We loved him very much and miss him tremendously. Gene’s family would like to give very special thanks to the staff of OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. They treated Gene both physically and spiritually with unwavering care and compassion. They are truly angels on Earth. A Memorial Service will be held at The Chapel at Northwoods Community Church on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 4:00 pm, with Visitation 3:00-4:00 pm, Pastor Kirk Moser officiating. Memorials may be sent to Northwoods Community Church,10700 N. Allen Rd., Peoria, IL 61615. Please note “Gene Short Memorial” on the memo line, as the donations will be used to support Operation Christmas Child. Words of comfort can be shared with the Short family at www.SchmidtHaller.com

Gene Wilbur Short

April 14, 1930 - October 24, 2024