Charlotte Marie (Klein) Short, age 79, of Kenosha went home to our Lord and Savior on April 29, 2023, almost one year to the minute of her beloved grandson Gavin’s passing. She departed this life at St. Catherine’s (Froedtert South Pleasant Prairie) Hospital with her entire family at her side.
Charlotte was born December 11, 1943, in Monticello, Iowa, to Nicholas and Lucille Klein. She went to St. Mary’s School in Cascade, Iowa. After 8th grade, the family moved to Shelby, Montana, for one year; then moved to Sunburst, Montana – just a few miles from the Canadian border. She graduated from North Toole County High School in 1961. Charlotte earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and English Education from The College of St. Benedict in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1965.
After graduation, Charlotte moved to Kenosha to begin her teaching career at Lance Junior High School as a math teacher. She transferred to Tremper High School for the 1967-68 school year. There she fell in love with fellow math teacher and future husband, Charles. Their first date was at a Green Bay Packers game at Milwaukee County Stadium. They were married June 29, 1968, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Anamosa, Iowa. They have resided in Kenosha since that time.
Charlotte was proud to become a stay-at-home mother to raise her three sons. She later reentered the work force as a part-time teacher at Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. While juggling motherhood and career, Charlotte earned her master’s degree in education from National Louis University in 1996. She continued teaching full-time at Parkside until her retirement in 2008.
Charlotte was an avid traveler with Charles and their family, often taking road trips with their pop-up camper when their children were young. She traveled to all 50 states, as well as 33 countries. She also loved music and attended performances at Ravinia, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Kenosha Symphony Orchestra as often as possible. But her favorite band and choir concerts were those that included her children and grandchildren. Charlotte also took every opportunity to attend Adventures in Lifelong Learning lectures and day trips through Parkside.
Charlotte’s proudest accomplishment in life was the creation of her cherished family. She was a passionate advocate for her sons: Charlie, Mark, and Allan. When she became a grandmother, she did everything possible to spoil her precious grandchildren with unconditional love. Grandma Short was the biggest cheerleader to Gavin, Evan, Alex, and Devin, and loved to include them in her travel plans, whenever possible.
Charlotte is survived by her loving husband, Charles Short Sr.; her sons, Charles Jr., Mark, and Allan (Beth) Short; her grandchildren, Evan, Alex, and Devin Short; nieces, Julie (Kenny) McLees, LuAnn (Bob) Radloff, and Becky (David) Rupe; and close friends Doris Nice, Jane Pinnow, John & Judy Musser, Jay & Barb Newell, and Dick & Dorothy Darula.
Charlotte is preceded in death by her grandson, Gavin Short; her parents, Nicholas and Lucille Klein; and her brothers, Benjamin and Lawrence Klein.
A visitation will be held at St. Marks Catholic Church on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 9:30 AM. A mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you help support local charities such as the Shalom Center, St. Mark’s Church Building Fund, or support her grandson’s love of Scouting by donating to Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation at www.neic.org/gavin.
Special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Library Terrace Assisted Living for the kindness provided to Charlotte and her challenges with Parkinson’s Disease over the last few years.
