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Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM (Mountain).

City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
A visitation will be held 5-7p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016, with an Eastern Star service at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge Basement in Kadoka.



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In memory of

Forrest H. "Shorty" Ireland

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at the Kadoka Nursing Home in Kadoka at the age of 93

Forrest Howard “Shorty” Ireland was born February 10, 1923 to Mary Beatrice Emery and Howard Sidney Ireland at Vian, Nebraska. He grew up around the Martin – Merriman area and graduated from Merriman High School in 1940.

Shorty was united in marriage to Betty Nell Mansfield on 16 May, 1942, and raised six children: Jerry, Howard, Kenny, Connie, Harold, and Ronald. He was married for 62 years and has 94 descendants. He was a card player extraordinaire and loved to tell jokes.

After his marriage, he farmed rented land until purchasing what became Ireland Angus Ranch south of Belvidere in 1946. They remained on the ranch until retiring and moving into Kadoka in 1979.

Shorty was chairman for the Jackson/Washabaugh Extension Board and served on the County Board for 27 years, on the District Extension Board, and State Extension Board for 8 years, and 3 years on the National Advisory Board; he was a member of the South Dakota Stockgrowers for 20 years and served on the Sanitary Board, he served on the US Animal Health Board for 3 years; the National Cattleman’s Association; the Tri-County Livestock Improvement Association, and Area Chairman for South Dakota Production Records. He is a Charter Member and past President of the South Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and Director of South Dakota Stock Growers; a past 4-H Leader and served on the Western Junior Livestock Show and Show Board as a member for over 20 years and as Chairman 1 year. He served as a member of South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts and a member of Jackson County Conservation District for 25 years. He also was Worshipful Master of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge (1970-71, 1987-1988), appointed South Dakota Grand Pursuivant (1995-1996), and served as Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Evergreen Chapter 97. He was a member of both the Scottish Rite and York Rite and belongs to the Shrine of Naja Temple, the 4 Rivers Shrine Club, and the Yankton Consistory. He was an active member of SD Republican Party. For many years, Shorty, officiated the judging of 4H Cattle shows and helped 4H members learn to judge cattle and show them.

Shorty received an Honorary PhD for Horse Training. He received a 5-year Award as Director from South Dakota Stockgrowers Association; 1970 Reserve Champion Carcass Steer Award and 1971 Champion Carcass Steer Award from the Black Hills Winter Show; awarded the 1976 Outstanding South Dakota Commercial Livestock Breeder, and recognized as the 1977 Commercial Producer of the Year National Honor Roll of Excellence. He was recognized for over 25 years of service with Haakon/Jackson County Extension Service. The 1983 Honored Farmer Award for outstanding achievement in agriculture by Little International at Brookings, SD. Recognized in 1988 for 25 years with Jackson County Soil Conservation District, for service on Board of Directors, and President for 10 years. He was the 1990 SD Association of Conservation Districts – Endowment Fund Presidents Club Honoree. A recipient of Friends of 4-H Award from the Tri-County Leaders Association for over 55 years of support to 4-H programs. In 2007, he received his 50 Year Pin for service to the Masonic Lodge, during that time he has filled all chairs and was Worshipful Master twice and District Master. Shorty was recognized for over 20 years of service to Western Junior Livestock Board, while serving in many capacities. He received the 1988 Lions Distinguished Service Award, the 1993-1994 Presidents Award from Lions Club, the 1995-1996 Melvin Jones Fellow Award from Lions Club International Foundation for support of research in prevention of blindness, and 1996-1997 Lion of the Year Award. He served as Area Chairman of Lions Club for 3 years.

Grateful for having shared his life are five children, Jerry Ireland (Pam) of Miami, Oklahoma, Howard Ireland (Cathy) of Belvidere; Kenny Ireland (Lyndy) of Philip, Connie Holso (Siegfried) of Cody, Wyoming; Harold Ireland (Edith) of Piedmont; one daughter-in-law, Thesa Ireland of Kadoka; 20 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Eulalia Mansfield of Martin, and Wilma DeBoer of Oral; one sister-in-law, Jean Ireland of Hot Springs; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Shorty was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; one son, Ronald; two great-grandchildren, Jennifer Nelson and Brianna Ireland; four sisters, Myrtle Eby, Mabel Einspahr, Bernetha Ireland, and Berniece Mansfield; and seven brothers, Harold, Lester, Robert, Theodore, Oscar, Melvin, and Wayne.

A memorial has been established.

VISITATION
Friday, February 26, 2016
5-7 p.m. with an Eastern Star service at 7p.m
Masonic Lodge Basement
Kadoka, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, February 27, 2016
2:00 p.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor Gary McCubbin
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

VISITATION
Friday, February 26, 2016
5-7 p.m. with an Eastern Star service at 7 p.m
Masonic Lodge Basement
Kadoka, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 2:00 p.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
Joyce Wheeler, John Kaiser,
Lyndy Ireland, and Ruth McCubbin
“One Day At A Time”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Daddy’s Hands”
USHERS
Jimmy Mansfield - Clee Brakke
Reed Richardson - Aaron Mansfield
PALLBEARERS
Robbie Ireland - Troy Ireland - Richard Ireland
Ray Ireland - Daniel Holso - Todd Ireland
Brian Ireland - Vint Ireland - Terry Ireland
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

  • I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shorty Ireland. I worked with him at the Kadoka SD Soil Conservation Service Office in 1974/1975. He was a very honest and easy man to work with him and I always missed his candor after leaving Kadoka. May God watch over him! ~ James Ridler Buffalo MN (6/28/2016)
  • Our prayers are with all the family. My first memories of Shorty and Betty are of them playing cards, telling stories and most of all, Laughing!! And I mean sustained, side-splitting laughter!! And that's the way I will always remember both of them! You have so many wonderful memories to see you through this time of sorrow. Let God hold you in His hand and give you strength. ~ Kenny and Robin Stoner Murdo, SD (2/29/2016)
  • I am so sorry for you loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all today. ~ Mary Beth Johnson Hill City, SD (2/27/2016)
  • My sympathy to the Ireland family on the loss of Shorty. I met Shorty 50 years ago while working for the Soil Conservation Service in Philip. He was a leader in the conservation movement in Jackson County and South Dakota. ~ Rod Baumberger Sturgis, South Dakota (2/26/2016)
  • Lyndy,Kenny and Family So sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories bring a smile to your faces. ~ Karen Pearson Rapid City SD (2/25/2016)
  • My heartfelt sympathy is with each one of you. It is so difficult to lose a parent. Hold on to all the wonderful memories you have and let them bring you comfort. God bless you all and know that you are in my prayers and I am sending love. ~ Gail Reinert Sioux City, IA (2/24/2016)
  • For the family and friends of Mr. Forrest
    Please except my condolences for the death of your loved one. My desire at this very difficult time is that all of you may find a measure of comfort. The Bible provides the comfort we need. The words of Jesus assures us that our loved ones who have fallen asleep in death will live again. Please read John 5:28,29 in your personal copy of the Bible. Peace,Prayers and Blessings     ~ Deborah Baltimore (2/24/2016)
  • We send our sincere condolences to all of Shorty's family. Shorty never knew a stranger and always had a good story to tell. ~ Chris and Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (2/23/2016)
  • Sending my heartfelt prayers to Uncle Shorty's family. He was a very special man. I always enjoyed visiting with him.
    I remember his and Aunt Bettys visits to the farm as I was growing up. I will cherish the stories they told during those visits.
    Remembering you all in my prays. love Judy
     ~ Judy Gross Meriden, Ia. (2/23/2016)
  • What an extraordinary man with such a great personality.. I remember many good times at the ranch and in town. I will forever treasure the memories. Prayers to all of you. ~ Janelle Madsen Popwell Wellington, Texas (2/23/2016)
  • You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We have many great memories of Shorty and Betty. Wish we could be there with you. ~ Beth (Branstiter) & Jeff Barger, Red Branstiter Bloomfield, NE/Niobrara, NE (2/23/2016)
  • So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ John & Marcia Kelley Sioux City, IA (2/22/2016)
  • Our prayers are with your family. We will miss Shorty at the Nursing Home. Shorty always had a joke or a remark and I will miss that. Rest in peace. ~ Ruby Sanftner Kadoka (2/22/2016)
  • Such good Friends we could never ask for we loved them like Family. We loved to play cards with Betty and Shorty and we were very greatful for letting the kids show their calves at 4h events. We will always remember the good times had. May God help you at this time, prayers sent your way with much love. ~ Bonnie and Bruce Madsen Kadoka S.D. (2/22/2016)
  • Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family in this time of loss. ~ Angie Nellen Hot Springs (2/22/2016)