Obituary: Gilbert C. "Shorty" Oldenberg

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In memory of

Gilbert C. "Shorty" Oldenberg

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at the Philip Nursing Home in Philip at the age of 99

Gilbert C. “Shorty” Oldenberg, was born July 10, 1909, in Grant, Iowa, the son of Gustav and Anna B. (Rose) Oldenberg. At a young age the family moved to Doland, South Dakota, where Shorty received his education. In 1927, he and his two brothers John and Bill, moved to the Grindstone area where they farmed and ranched.

Shorty was united in marriage to Pearl Aske in 1947, in Philip. They made their home at the ranch in Grindstone, where their four children were born.
Pearl preceded him in death in 1954, and Shorty continued to raise the four children on his own. He was awarded the "Father of the Year" by the Grindstone Community in the 1960's. Shorty continued to make his home on the ranch until moving into the Philip Nursing Home in 2005.

Shorty, when not farming and ranching, enjoyed taking the trip to the State Fair with his brothers, checking out the new farm equipment. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting every fall.

Survivors include three daughters Kathy Hamann and her husband Robert of Wall, Ruth Anderson and her husband Don of Rapid City, and Nellie Chapell and her husband Henry of Gillette, Wyoming; one son Daniel “Danny” Oldenberg and his wife Esther of Philip; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife Pearl, Shorty was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Leona Wintrode and Marie Holmes; three brothers Bill, George and John Oldenberg; and a great-granddaughter Alexis Rose Hernandez.

Visitation was held 3-5 p.m. on Monday, December 1, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Tuesday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is established to the Philip Nursing Home, or directed to the donor's choice.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Lyndy Ireland – Joyce Wheeler
“Old Rugged Cross”
“Amazing Grace”
“Green Green Grass of Home”
USHERS
Paul Jones – Josh Ballingee
PALLBEARERS
Shorty’s Grandchildren
John Oldenberg – Heath Oldenberg – Joe Chapell
Jeff Chapell – Jason Chapell – Chris Hamann
Melanie Cargile – Valerie Oldenberg – Jodi Jones
Jackie Ballingee – Michelle Hernandez
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation: 3-5 p.m. on Monday, December 1, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

Sign the guestbook

Dan, Esther & Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Shorty was so nice to take care of. He will suffer no more and is in a better place now. If you need anything, just let me know.
Steve & Pam ~ Pam & Steve Philip (11/27/2008)
Dear Kathy, Nellie, Ruth Danny & Families, So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a very special person, a great Dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. God Bless. Love Cathy & Ralph ~ Cathy & Ralph Fiedler 2130 Ellen St Sturgis, SD (11/27/2008)
Memories~As a kid growing up Gladys and I would often times deliver lunch Mom prepared to the field to Dad and Uncle Shorty and how he loved the fried chicken, pie and lemonade. No doubt we are all witnessing the near end of an irreplacable era and the generation who filled a very important time in our lives and history. I pray for all of you to get thru this difficult time in your lives.
Love Roger and Marie Mach ~ Roger and Marie Mach Rapid City SD (11/27/2008)
I was so sorry to hear of your father passing. Tom & I are thinking of you during this time of sorrow. ~ Marcia Biller Minong, WI (11/27/2008)
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. God's Blessings to each of you. ~ Pam Eisenbraun-Blankenship Sioux Falls, SD (11/27/2008)
My Heart goes out to the Oldenberg Family.My special memories of Shorty. When I was a young girl and the Oldenbergs would all come to our house in Rapid City for Thanksgiving. Wonderful summers spending with Grandpa & Grandma and visiting Shorty on the Ranch. God Bless Love Tammy Mach ~ Tammy Mach Las Vegas NV (11/27/2008)
We are so sorry that we can not be with you. Special hugs and prayers to you all. ~ Donny & Sue 40 S. Brentwood St. (11/27/2008)
Shorty and all his brothers and sisters were dear friends to the Thompson Family as we were neighbor ranchers. Shorty was the nicest,honest and most trusted friend you could ever ask for, from the old cut of early settelers that his word was his contract,and he was good for it, Few like him are left. Our deepest love was for him, and all the members of his family. May God be with you all. ~ Joe & Nancy Thompson 2449 Sweetbriar Rapid City, SD 57703 (11/27/2008)
Dear Kathy,Ruthie,Nellie,Danny and families,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. You had a special father who was both dad and mom to you. God bless all of you. Love, Joan and Bill and family ~ Joan Oldenberg Robb and family Dexter, New Mexico (11/27/2008)
Dan, Esther & Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I am sorry I won't be able to get to the funeral, but I can't get off. If you need anything just give a call.
Jody Gittings ~ Jody Gittings Martin, SD (11/27/2008)
Dan, Esther & Family - You are in our thoughts and prayers. Shorty was always so pleasant to wait on at the Sale Barn Cafe. Our sympathies to you and your family at this time. ~ Brock & Brittany Smith & Family Philip, SD (11/27/2008)
I am so sorry to hear about Gilbert's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this all. ~ Kevin Eisenbraun Sioux Falls, South Dakota (11/27/2008)
Kathy, Ruth, Nellie and Dan, My deepest sympathy I send your way as you all go through this difficult time. I remember your dad when he would come to Wall and the Hamann potlucks. So quiet but such a gentlemen. He did a mighty fine job raising some wonderful children. God's Blessings to you all. Love You, JoAnn ~ JoAnn hoffman Brookings, S.D. (11/27/2008)
I'm sorry to hear about Shorty. I remember all the great visits we had when I worked at Hubbard Milling Co. You have our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time.
Tom and Kamie Carmichael ~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael 312 Grand Ave., Delta Co. 81416 (11/27/2008)