Kenneth D. "Pete" Short

Kenneth D. “Pete” Short, 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at his residence of natural causes.

He was born June 30, 1941 in Warsaw, Indiana to Dallas and Ferne (Robinette) Short. Ken was united in marriage to Karen Linnemeier on May 22, 1965.

He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven where he was a former longtime trustee of the church and served as an usher for many years.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post #330 in New Haven and the Maumee Valley Antique Steam & Gas Association.

Ken retired from Navistar following 30 years of combined service.  Following his retirement, he also worked at Wagner Meinert LLC and Auto Electric, both in Fort Wayne.

He was honorably discharged from the United States Army at the rank of Sergeant following his term of service.  He was attached to the 890th Transportation Company in the Fifth US Army.

Ken was very proud of his family…especially his “sweeties”.  Growing up in Wisconsin, being a Green Bay Packer fan was in his blood.  In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, tinkering with equipment, and volunteering with the Maumee Valley Antique Steam & Gas Association.  He also enjoyed driving places…which he turned into a job working for Don Ray Drive-a-Way Service which led him to many different parts of the country.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Short of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two sons, Randy (Jillian) Short of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Rick (Kristin) Short of Huntertown, Indiana; two sisters, Lillian Myers of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Karen (Ron) Gifford of Montrose, Colorado; four grandchildren, Cassandra (Zach) Crismore, Marc Hendsbee, Mackenzie Beery, and Camryn Reuille; and a great-grandson, Hunter Alberding.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Kristin Short and Noelle Short (in infancy); and brother-in-law, Earl Myers.

A funeral service for Ken will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Emanuel Lutheran Church located at 800 Green Street, New Haven, IN  46774.  Pastor David Stecker will officiate.  Burial will follow at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery in New Haven with Military Graveside Services by the American Legion Post #330 Color Guard.

Family and friends will be received from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven and one hour prior to services Wednesday also at the church.

Preferred memorials are to Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven or Worship Anew.

Arrangements are by the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur