In loving memory of

Ralph Shortley
February 11, 1953 - July 30, 2013

Ralph Plumb Shortley, age 60, of Milford, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at the Milford Nursing Center in Milford, Iowa, after fighting courageously for ten months with stage four lung cancer. He was born on February 11, 1953, in Spirit Lake, to Rush and Helen (Huff) Shortley II.
Ralph was known around the Lakes Area by many people. He was a barge operator with Danbom Lakeside Engineering for over forty years. Every spring out on the lakes putting the boat hoists in and taking them out in the fall, enduring all kinds of weather. Ralph also worked a couple of years as a waiter at Maxwell's in Spencer.
Ralph is survived by his two sons, Hayden and Luther Shortley of Milford; his friend, Michele Shortley of Milford; brother, Rush M. Shortley III of Iowa City; sister, Elsie June Malone, and her husband, Carl of Rio Ranchero, New Mexico; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, August 4, 2013, from 2:00P.M. until 4:00P.M. at the Schuchert Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Ralph's name.
The Schuchert Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

Robin Noel wrote on Aug 5, 2013:

"Rest in Peace my friend. I will always remember the fun times we had on the lake!"

Jami (Dyhrkopp) Hassett wrote on Aug 3, 2013:

"RIP RALPH! I remember when Ralph lived next door to my mom and dad (Erin & Jerry Dyhrkopp). I needed to make a private call so I asked Ralph if I could use his phone, He said yes. We'll while I was there he showed me how he could take apart & put together a small pistol within seconds. Then he asked me to try, he started talking and so I quickly brushed the gun under the rocker recliner and left. He came over to Mom and Dads with a military coat and rifle (like a solider) and said "Your daughter took my Gun!" Well I walked back over to Ralph's and moved the chair and he seen the gun. :) It's kinda funny thinking back on a memory,,,Ralph's RRRRmatie will be missed!"

June S Malone wrote on Aug 2, 2013:

"Unfortunately I will not be able to join everyone on Sunday, and so I will share my favorite memory of Ralphie. You may not know that he participated in theatrical productions while he attended Shattuck for his high school years. The memory that to this day makes me laugh the hardest has to do with a play he was in. The family traveled up to Shattuck to see him in this play, so we were all there for his most choice line. He was to say, "The shot came from here." as he pointed up. Well, he substituted the 'o' in shot with an 'i' and brought the house down. It was several minutes before the play could resume. To this day I don't know whether it was an accident or not. When ever I think of Okoboji, it will always include Ralphie. He and my dad had a love for the lakes that transcended all else. Rest in peace, Ralphie Baby. Sis"

Katherine Becker wrote on Aug 2, 2013:

"Such a loss -- he will be missed by so many Katherine Becker Chelsea Villas"

Brother Rush wrote on Aug 2, 2013:

"Ralph was born, raised and lived his life on Lake Okoboji. It was his dream, the life he saw for himself. He realized his dream, living with honesty and gusto, and made many wonderful friends who will remember him as long as his sister and I will."

Jason Nissen wrote on Aug 1, 2013:

"RIP Ralph! Will miss seeing you spring and fall fueling the barge."

Steve Stanford wrote on Aug 1, 2013:

"My sympathy to Ralph's family. He was one of the true characters of the Iowa Great Lakes Area. It will be a long time before Ralph's memory will be forgotten. He worked hard and played hard and if he was your friend you had a true friend. Rest in Peace my friend Rest in Peace, Steve Stanford Uncertain,Texas"

1 of the "UNDESIRABLES"EABLES" wrote on Aug 1, 2013:

"Growing up with Ralph was a definite treat!! There is no one or ever will be anyone like our Ralph. It seemed like he was just part of the family.Our thoughts go out to Michele and the boys. See you on the other side buddy!!!!!!!!!!!"

Justin Woodall wrote on Aug 1, 2013:

"Words can't begin to describe what Ralph meant to us all at Danboms. My sympathy and condolences to his family and friends. Ralph was one of a kind and I will always miss him, a true friend. It just won't be the same out on the lake without him. "

PAT FREDERICK wrote on Aug 1, 2013:

"RALPH PLUM SHORTLY AN ICON ON WEST LAKE OPERATING HIS BARGE. A DEARLY LOVED FRIEND, HE ALWAYS HAD THE GIFT TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH AND FORGET THEIR TROUBLES."

Robby Noble wrote on Aug 1, 2013:

"A true giant. The greatest of personalities and most memorable and admirable person one could have the pleasure of knowing. Everyone loved him and he will be missed by many. I hope he's watching over us all now with that all knowing smile of his. And an Rrrrr! to boot. "

Lois Langfritz wrote on Jul 31, 2013:

"I will always remember how Ralph bore his illness with such grace and dignity. Never once did he complain or play the pity card, he showed up every day for one last go around on the lake, taking care of our customers as he did for all these many seasons. My condolences to his children and Michelle, his brother and sister. Farewell Ralphie, til we meet again. Lois Langfritz "

Chris Ashlock wrote on Jul 31, 2013:

"There was only 1 Ralph, and he will be sorely missed and he was the truest of friends. So many memories of the point, Maxwells on the lake, football games, he was always the life of the party. He fought a hard battle, my condolences to Michelle, Hayden and Luther. We will always love you Ralph....Chris and Stevie Ashlock"

Sharon Daly wrote on Jul 31, 2013:

"RIP Ralphy! The Danbom crew will surely miss you. My son Josh will treasure every minute you two shared. My grandkids will miss your smile. Your pain is gone but you will always be in our hearts!"

Sally Haas wrote on Jul 31, 2013:

"So sorry for you loss. "

David and Rhonda Nelson wrote on Jul 31, 2013:

"My deepest sympathies to Ralph's family. "

Jen Wemark wrote on Jul 31, 2013:

"Deepest sympathy and condolensces to Ralph's family, friends and the Danbom Crew. As my Father, being a dock builder, I don't belive any one knew the lake like Ralph did. He's humor, spirit and being will be missed. May you rest in peace and never be forgotten. Hope you and Dad have your drinks held high. RIP Ralphy! "

John Welle wrote on Jul 31, 2013:

"Deepest condolences to Michele and the boys for your loss. Also any of his extended family. The last time I saw Ralph was in the parking lot at Buy Rite where we were comparing hair-dos. (what hair) Ralph was always quick witted and was one of a kind. RIP buddy."

Bob Sullivan wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"I loved Ralph's personality, he was a good friend, helped me out many time. I will remember him rest of my days.Gods speed Ralph !"

Rod Sheldon wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"i lived with Ralph for 6 months at lighthouse Point one winter. An experience i will never forget.Friends are hard to keep and even harder to loose ."

George Morris wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"My sympathy to any family. I remember Ralph as a student in Milford Jr. High. Always enjoyed visiting with Ralph ."

Chris & Chavon Struve wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"Family, Friends, co-workers (Danbom): Our deepest sympathy. May God be with you during this time. It was always nice to visit with Ralph."