Goering, Johann J. (1866-1937)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1937 Apr 6 p. 15

Birth date: 1866 Sep 13

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1937 Mar 24 p. 5

text of obituary:

John J. Goering

John J. Goering, son of Rev. Jacob D. and Anna Strauss Goering, was born September 13, 1866, in Kotosufka in Wolyhnien, Russia, where he spent his first few years in his parental home. In 1874 his parents with the congregation migrated to America and made their home on a farm three miles west of Moundridge. In this home and later in his own home nearby he spent the rest of his life.

The first years in this country were hard and the sacrifices great. There was much work and not much chance for recreation, and the opportunities for education were meager compared with today. He attended the German Church School and also the English District School, whenever possible.

Other educational opportunities were rare. Only the Bible and the Hymn Book were used, which is of supreme importance. Where today we have 10 and more periodicals, only the little paper "Zur Heimat" was read. The family altar had a definite place in his parents' as well as his own home, where encouragement to Christian living was given. The preaching services and later the Sunday School he regularly attended, which left an impression upon his whole life.

At the age of 14 on Oct. 31, 1880, he was baptized on his confession faith and received into the church. Later when the Eden church was organized, he became a member there and remained a faithful member until his death. In his life he had varied experiences, both happy and sad. On Aug. 27, 1890, he was united in holy wedlock to Anna Goering. This union of short duration was blessed with one son, ending in the death of his beloved wife on February 2, 1893.

The deceased was left with his little son. This was hard to bear, but through God's guidance he found a helpmate in Fannie Schrag on April 28, 1893. This happy union was blessed with four children, but came to an early end when on Aug. 28, 1901, his companion was called home. Again the path darkened and the burden became heavy. His faith was tried and strengthened and the Heavenly Father had more blessed days in store for him. The Lord permits heavy burdens but He also gives grace to bear.

In Elizabeth Zerger he found a companion who was willing to share with him joys and sorrows and has faithfully cared for the motherless children. This union was established on May 6, 1892. It was a happy and blessed union to which eleven children were born, 8 sons and 3 daughters, 2 sons preceding him in death.

In general he enjoyed good health. In his teens he suffered intensely for about three months with inflammatory rheumatism, from which he fully recovered. About two years ago he suffered from an infected ear and sinus trouble.

About two weeks ago he was again afflicted with ear trouble but seemingly improved. Tuesday evening he visited his brother and upon his return rested peacefully until four o'clock the next morning, when he was overtaken with chills and a severe headache. He made arrangements and especially admonished the children that they should strive to follow him to the Heavenly Home to which he was about to go. His last wish was that none shall be missing and that all should meet him there. At eleven o'clock he fell into a coma and never spoke again. As far as we know he did not regain full consciousness in spite of all medical and helping hands could do. Falling asleep in Jesus, the spirit ascended unto Him who gave it on March1 8 at 9:40 in the evening. he reached the age of 70 years, 6 months and 5 days.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved wife, 14 children, 9 sons and 5 daughters; 5 are at home with mother. The children are: Ben B. J., Christ S., Edward W., Mrs. P. O. Krehbiel, Mrs. J. E. Kaufman, Martin M., Mrs. Ted Krehbiel, Walter, Harold, Arnold, Verna, J. Hobart, Lloyd, Betty, 3 sons-in-law, 6 daughters-in-law, 27 grandchildren, 1 brother, 1 sister, 1 brother-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law and many relatives and friends.

We mourn but not without hope, for we hope to meet again.

Servant of God, well done,
Thy glorious warfare passed;
The battle fought, the victory won,
And thou art home at last.