Eldo "Shorty" Bretzman

   Shorty Bretzman, 92, of Delafield Township, passed away peacefully on the farm on August 13, 2026 at the age of 92years, 4 months and 13 days. Born on April 1, 1934, Shorty had a sense of humor from the very beginning. Being born on April Fool’s Day gave him the perfect excuse to spend a lifetime trying to catch someone with a good April Fool’s joke.

   Shorty was a dairy farmer at heart, and farming was one of his greatest loves. He spent countless hours working in the barn and tending to the farm he called home. Even as he grew older, Shorty continued to live independently on the farm, caring for his gardens and chickens and staying busy doing what he loved. His other great love was dancing. There was never a polka dance that Shorty didn’t enjoy. After a long day working in the barn as a young man, Dad would often arrive at the dance a little late. But the band knew he was coming—and as soon as he walked through the door, they would break into his song: “In Heaven There Is No Beer (That’s Why Shorty Drinks It Here).” It was a song that perfectly captured his love of dancing, music, good friends, and having a good time. Shorty was also a wonderful storyteller. He had a way of telling a story with such great expression and personality that you couldn’t help but listen. Whether you had heard the story before or not, he could make you feel like you were right there with him. His stories, his humor, and his unmistakable personality will be deeply missed.

   Shorty was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage; his grandson, Taylor Michael; his sisters, Delores, Audrey, and Lola; his twin brother, Arlo; and his brother, Elmer.

   He is survived by his six children, Wendy Boles, Barb Bretzman, Ralph Bretzman, Cleo Clark (Roger), Sheri Schwalbach (Mike), and Travis Bretzman; 17 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

   He leaves behind a family tree that spans five generations, but perhaps his greatest legacy is found in the stories, laughter, traditions, and memories he created along the way. We will remember him on the farm, in the barn, in his garden, telling a story with a twinkle in his eye—and, of course, out on the dance floor when his song began to play. The farm may be a little quieter now, and the dance floor won’t be quite the same without him. But we know that somewhere, the music is playing, the polka is underway, and Shorty is ready for one more dance. Rest in peace, Dad. Save us a dance.

A celebration of life will take place on September 26th, at 11:00, at the windom community Center, hosted by Shorty's family, with a meal and music to follow, concluding at 3:00