Edward Dean 'Shorty' Talhelm

Edward Dean “ Shorty” Talhelm, age 90, passed away July 15th, 2020. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July 30th in the Gering-Stitt Chapel with Pastor Pete Morgan officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Peetz, Co. Memorial contributions may be made in Shorty’s name to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the local DAV chapter. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Wednesday to sign the register book and leave condolences for the family.

You may view Shorty’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, memories and photos at http://www.GehrigStittChapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Shorty’s care and funeral arrangements.

He was born January 17th, 1930 in Kimball, NE to Harve and Ora Talhelm, he was the youngest of three. Later they moved to Sidney where he graduated from Sidney High School in 1949. In October of 1950 he joined the Navy until 1954.

On May 4th, 1957, he married Beatrice Helen Schumacher in Peetz, CO. Then came along Becky, Tom and Shirley. He went to work for Marathon Oil in 1960 and then was transferred to Bakersfield, CA in March of 1963. He lost the love of his life and January 1964. He spent every year’s vacation bringing the kids to Nebraska and Colorado to visit with Mom’s family.

He retired from Marathon in 1985 and moved to Caliente, CA, better known as Shorty’s piece of the rock. He was able to stay on his beloved mountain for 35 years before moving back down to Bakersfield in assisted living. For someone that said he didn’t like living around people he actually enjoyed visiting with everyone. 

He is survived by his son Thomas (Cindy) Talhelm, daughters Becky (Robert) Rezac, Shirley (Jeff) Garrett. Grandkids Matt (Tena) Talhelm, Kasey Talhelm,  Dustin (Jamie) Rezac, Kevin (Jenny) Garrett, Elise Rezac, Brandon Garrett, Jordan Garrett and Mason Talhelm. Five great-grandkids and one on the way. Many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Beatrice, his parents Harve and Ora Talhelm, brother Victor (Lydia) Talhelm, sister Dorothy (Bud) Houston, his in-laws Alfons and Catherine Schumacher, Maynard Schumacher, Walt Schumacher, Rita Straub and Betty Passard.