Walter Edward Tasler, known as “Shorty”, was born December 19, 1931, in Jefferson, the son of Frank Joseph Tasler and Margaret Mary Gouger Tasler. Shorty grew up with his family of two brothers, Francis and John, and three sisters, Rosie, Bonnie and Dorothy, on a farm south of Jefferson. He farmed with a team of horses.
In September of 1952, Shorty enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War as a Screaming Eagle for the 101st Airborne. He was honorably discharged in July 1954.
Shorty married Arletta Rose Royce on September 21, 1956. They moved onto the Tasler farmstead where they farmed for 47 years. There, they raised their family of eight children: Mark, Kevin, Michelle, Maria, Nicole, Leann, Richard and Ryan.
Shorty worked as a vacuum cleaner salesman and at Ideal Manufacturing before working at the Gulf Station in Jefferson on Highway 4. He operated the colorful Tasler Towing Wreckers on the roads and at the Greene County Races.
Shorty had many interests. Besides his great love for his wife, kids, and their families, he also enjoyed traveling, flying his plane, family go-carting, car racing and gambling. He very much enjoyed attending cage fighting and cheering on family members in the cage. Shorty avidly used his computer to stay connected with family and friends on Facebook. Shorty and Arletta were always protected and happiest when surrounded by their four-legged family which, in later years, included Edd, Redd, and Edd Jr. Shorty and Arletta bought a home in McAllen, T, where they wintered for 21 years before Arletta’s passing in 2014.
Shorty was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the VFW, and the Elks Lodge. Shorty had a larger than life personality. He loved to sing and dance while enjoying his BV-7. He could often be seen driving around in the old ’50 Chevy, but we all knew he was a Cadillac enthusiast. When he was behind the wheel, he waved at everybody he passed. Shorty’s annual summer parties have led to thousands of people enjoying his jokes and laughter while having a great time. His jovial sense of humor and infectious smile will be remembered by all who knew him. His family fondly remembers the sounds of his light-hearted whistling and the jingling of his keys and change in his pockets.
Shorty went out of this life kicking and fighting until the end, March 16, 2018. He was 86 years young. Survivors include his children Mark Tasler, Kevin Tasler, NiCole Tasler and Ryan Tasler, all of Jefferson, Michelle Mallott of Stuart, Maria Tasler of Glidden, Leann Tasler of Las Vegas, NV, and Richard Tasler of Madrid; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brothers Francis “Bud” Tasler of Jefferson and John “Jack” Tasler of Windsor Heights; his sisters Dot Davis of Jefferson and Bonnie Martin of Carroll, IA; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends. He was loved by all.
A memorial service will be Thursday, April 5, at 1am at the St. Joseph Catholic Parish Center in Jefferson. The family will greet friends from 10 am until the time of the service on Thurs
day at the Parish Center. A private family burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Jefferson.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson, 515-386-2171.
