"My sincere, albeit belated, condolences to Don and the entire Goering family. Just learned of Doris' passing, and I feel like I've lost a good friend. I don't believe that Doris and I ever met face to face, but I spoke with her nearly every year for 30+ plus years beginning in the late 1980s when she took out an ad in the Iowa State Daily. She was looking for ISU fans to rent her family's lovely home in Frisco, CO, and I was a student looking for a place to stay on a Xmas break ski trip. I'll bet I stayed at that beautiful home over 25 times since. Doris would call me during every stay just to make sure everything was clean and in working order, and to make sure we were all enjoying our stay. Later I learned that her son and I were in the ISU marching band together. She was a very kind and caring person, and I know I will miss visiting with her. Tom Morgan Coralville, IA"
In loving memory of
Doris Anne Goering
April 3, 1938 - August 5, 2021
Doris Anne Cassens Goering, age 83, of Ames, Iowa, died at home with her family by her side on August 5, 2021.
Born April 3, 1938, in Sigourney, Iowa, Doris was the daughter of Harvey and Margaret (Goeldner) Cassens. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Sigourney High School. She married Donald H. Goering on June 22, 1958, in Sigourney. Doris received her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Education from University of Northern Iowa with Special Education Certification from Iowa State University and Drake University. Doris was a lifetime member of the Northern Iowa Alumni Association.
Doris devoted her life to serving others. She taught in regular and special education classrooms for 40 years in three school districts retiring as a second-grade teacher from Meeker Elementary in Ames. One of her greatest joys was learning of former students' successes. Doris helped start the Meeker Grandma Club and the Marengo preschool program. She received the ISEA Educator Excellence Award and the Mason's Outstanding Teacher Award.
The Iowa 4-H Program was important to Doris. She served as a 4-H Club Leader, Story County 4-H Communication Chairperson, County 4-H Judge, State Fair 4-H Communication Judge, State Fair 4-H Volunteer and with Don began the Goering 4-H Communication Scholarship. She was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, recognized as a Diamond Clover for her years of service and named an honorary Story County 4-H member.
Doris and Don moved from Marengo to Ames in 1972 and joined Northminster Presbyterian Church becoming active members. She assisted in the creation of the NPC Scholarship program, which she chaired for nine years. She co-founded the Shared Blessings program which distributes essential items to families in need.
Doris was a Rotary Partner to Don, in every sense of the word. A Paul Harris Fellow, she was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian Spouse/Partner Service Award. Doris and Don traveled to all 50 states with their children and through Rotary traveled to all continents except Antarctica. Doris was a devoted Iowa State fan, except when ISU played UNI, attending Cyclone football games for over 60 years as well as attending men's and women's basketball games. Doris was a 58-year member of P.E.O.
Doris is survived by her husband Donald H. Goering, her daughter, Deborah Anne Goering Sinclair (Brian Sinclair), and their daughters, Heather Anne Sinclair (Fiancé Evan Maly) and Hannah Elizabeth Sinclair, her son Dennis Harlan Goering (Julie Kae Rees Goering) and their son Rees Donald Harlan Goering, her sister Kathleen Cassens Shaver, nieces and nephews, Janice, Jean, Joy, Charles, Sally, Mary, David, Becky, Scott, Pat and great nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Harvey Cassens, brother Charles Cassens, sister Janice Cassens and nephew James Cassens.
Doris always said she wanted to receive flowers while she could enjoy them and insisted that instead of flowers, memorials be directed to the Iowa 4-H Foundation Goering Scholarship, UNI Foundation Goering Scholarship or Northminster Presbyterian Church.
Tributes
"Please know that I am praying for Don and your family. I enjoyed getting to know Doris the last couple years as I cleaned your home. She took an interest in me and my family. Please let me know if you need my help again. Tammy( house cleaner)"
"I got to know Doris the year I was Governor of Rotary District 6000 in 1991. She requested the use of various country flags on loan for introducing her classroom pupils to people and places in other parts of the world. She was a devoted teacher and Rotary Spouse. Her life has been well-lived and a delightful example for others. PDG Everett Laning"
"The Limbirds send their sincere condolences to the Goering family on their loss. Martin and Mary Catherine Limbird, Fort Collins, CO "
"Sending your family sincere condolences from the Fagen Family. May your memories together be forever cherished. -Andi"
"To Don and Doris? entire family?we both were saddened to hear of your great loss. We have wonderful memories of Doris. She was always an inspiration with her words of wisdom and her special way of caring about others. May all your precious memories comfort you and give you pease. She will be missed by many. Sending love and sympathy to all. Lowell & Mary Smith"
"Hello Dr. Goering, I am so sorry about the loss of your dear wife Doris. Keeping your family and you in my prayers. One of your previous graduate students, Brenda Thorbs-Weber, Ames, Ia."
"Hello Don, We were sorry to hear of Doris's passing. She certainly was a UNI supporter from license plates thru your scholarship. We always think of you when we rented your CO home and also when we made our annual Christmas trek by your house. May you celebrate the memoires that you had together. May God's peace be with you and your family Larry and Barb Ebbers"
"My friend from so many years ago! Her parents and mine belonged to the Sigourney Saddle Club. We corresponded for a few years after both of our marriages, then time took its toll and we lost contact . She was a very involved lady and a loss to many. Judy Gent Sieren, Keota, Iowa"
"Aunt Doris was a special lady who I admired greatly. Her legacy will live on through the entire Goering family and Cassens clan. While Doris' passing on earth leaves a hole in our hearts, may God grant everyone peace and comfort as you remember beautiful memories of her. - Joy Sanner"
"To Don and the Goering Family: I only knew Mrs. Goering (Doris) in passing, but from my vantage point I think she passed the Four-Way-Test with flying colors. Service above self...indeed! Thank you Doris for making this small corner of the world a better place."
"I will miss seeing Doris at ISU basketball games. Keeping your family in my prayers"
"So sorry to hear today at Rotary that your wonderful wife, Doris, has passed away. Please accept my deepest sympathy during this time of loss."
"My condolence to Don and your family"
"Jan and I send our love and condolences Bill and Jan Koellner "
"Special thoughts and prayers to you, Don, and your whole family. I have many 4-H memories. Margaret Mordan"
"To Don and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in loss of Doris. I've known her since 1959 when I first was in Iowa Co Ext work in Marengo. She certainly was a stable in everything you have been evolved with and will be a tremendous void. Your wonderful memories and blessings she provided will be with you forever! God's peace be with each of you at this difficult time of closure. I will send a memorial in Doris' Memory to the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Jurine Borton Moore, Story, Iowa & Linn Co"
"I will miss her so much she was my school teacher and a very kind and caring person "
"Thank you, Doris, for being so very special! "
"A very special person and friend! Phyllis Crouse"