JOHN SHORTELL obituary

John William "Jack" Shortell, 58, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at his home in Havre of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Highland Cemetery with the Rev. Alfred Ebel officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow at the Vets Club.

Jack was born Dec. 27, 1946, in Havre to Xavier and Lydia (Jacob) Shortell. He was raised and educated in Havre. Jack was a member of the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout in 1964. After graduating from Havre High School, Jack attended Northern Montana College. He graduated in May 1970 with a bachelor's degree in education. He continued his education and earned a master's degree in counseling.

Jack married Nancy Nacey on June 27, 1970, in Culbertson at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. They later divorced.

Jack taught in various small towns, primarily at Heart Butte and Harlem. He also served as principal at Heart Butte. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 and received his basic training and worked as a radio operator. He then served in the Army National Guard until 1991, when he retired as a staff sergeant.

Jack was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the VFW.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping at Beaver Creek Park. He loved being around his family and fiends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Alan Shortell.

Survivors include his daughter, Jean (Les) Rathbun of Rome, N.Y .; grandchildren, Sierra and Dalton Rathbun of Rome, N.Y .; and numerous cousins and many friends.

Service and arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.