Etta Elizabeth Short Obituary (1926 - 2023)

Etta Elizabeth Short, 97, of Emden, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at her home. Etta was born on February 2, 1926, in Emden, IL, the daughter of George and Tasie (Fink) Klokkenga. She married Calvin W. Short on March 10, 1946, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Emden. He preceded her in death on December 23, 1973. Etta is survived by her daughters, Esther Sparks of Lincoln, and Maralee (William) Boerma of Emden; six grandchildren, Cherie Rankin, Steve (Gina) Wibben, Mike (Mary) Smith, Sheila (Marc) Erickson, Brian (Sara) Boerma, and Britney (Kyle) Hoerbert; nine great-grandchildren, Chelsey (Tim) Hilgendorf, Taylor (Hannah) Wibben, Mary and Erin Rankin, William Zeke, Emma, and Ruby Boerma, and Hudson and Henry Hoerbert; and three great-great-grandchildren, Kaiden Casper, Carter Wibben, and Logan Hilgendorf. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Calvin; daughter, Caletta Dixie Smith; and sisters, Ruby Cross and Mary Ann Broughton. Etta was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. She was also a member of The American Legion Auxiliary Post #506. After graduating from Hartsburg Emden High School, Etta raised her family at home. Following the death of her husband, Calvin, she served as a secretary at Myers Industry for eighteen years, retiring in 1991. She enjoyed playing piano, crocheting, and being in a card club with her close friends for many years. Etta loved to see and spend time with her family. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Amber, Jessica, Alice, Ashley, Rina, and JoJo for taking care of "grandma" for the last five years, as well as Hands of God Hospice. Services for Etta will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Emden. A visitation will take place two hours prior from 9:00AM - 11:00AM at the church. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Emden. Memorials may be made in Etta's name to St. Peter's Lutheran Church or the American Legion Auxiliary Post #506. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln.