Burlington, Wisconsin – July 22, 2025 – Douglas (Doug) Lynn Short, a cherished husband, devoted family man, and respected community leader, peacefully passed away on July 22, 2025, following a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, both in person and in spirit, as he left this life with the same grace and courage that defined him throughout his 70 years.
Doug was born on February 7, 1955, in Gladwin, Michigan, to Alonzo “Pete” and Virginia Short. He grew up on a dairy farm alongside six siblings, learning the values of hard work, perseverance, and community from an early age. Throughout his youth, Doug balanced school, chores, and multiple jobs, working on the farm, at the local IGA, and Ace Hardware. Sports were a lifelong passion—softball captured his heart, and a spirited tennis rivalry with his best high school friend added fun and camaraderie to his teenage years.
After graduating from Gladwin High School, Doug attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration in Finance. He fondly recalled his time at UM as a period of both personal and professional growth, where he became an intramural ping-pong champion and cultivated friendships that lasted a lifetime.
It was during his college years that Doug met the love of his life, Tracy Lee Krapohl. Working as a busboy at her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, he quickly captured her heart. A member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity, Doug was respected and cherished by his brothers “In the Bonds.” What began as a college romance blossomed into nearly 50 years of partnership, rooted in deep love, friendship, and mutual respect. Doug and Tracy married on June 30, 1979, in Jackson, Michigan, and embarked on their first adventure together with an overnight drive to catch a car ferry from Ludington, Michigan, to Milwaukee—setting the tone for a lifetime of teamwork and shared experiences. Despite living in Wisconsin, Doug remained a loyal University of Michigan fan, rooting for the Wolverines above all else.
Doug’s professional life spanned more than four decades in banking and finance, beginning in Milwaukee and culminating in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He was an entrepreneur at heart, owning and operating several small businesses throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Even after his initial retirement, Doug continued to work part-time at Menards until 2023, eventually joining Tracy in her retirement.
A pillar of the Burlington community since 1996, Doug devoted countless hours to volunteer service. His quiet leadership and willingness to lend a hand benefited numerous organizations, including the Waterford Lion’s Club, Burlington Rotary Club—where he earned distinction as a Paul Harris Fellow—Burlington Chocolate Fest, Burlington Junior Lady Demons, and Burlington United Methodist Church. Doug was the kind of man who guided others with patience, integrity, and compassion, always going the extra mile without seeking recognition.
Doug was known for his unwavering honesty, generosity, and dedication to family and community. He is remembered not only for his professional achievements but for the warmth and kindness he extended to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Tracy, and the extended family, friends, and community members whose lives he touched. His legacy of love, service, and devotion will continue to inspire those who knew him.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held with details to be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to any of the community organizations Doug held dear, continuing his lifelong commitment to service and helping others.
Doug Lynn Short will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted friend, compassionate leader, and man whose integrity and generosity left an indelible mark on Burlington and beyond.
Leave a Reply