Goering, Joseph H. (1901-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jan 31 p. 8

Birth date: 1901 Jan 28

text of obituary:

JOSEPH H. GOERING

Joseph H. Goering Jr., the son of Joseph and Mary Strausz-Goering, was born on the farm near Moundridge, Kan. on Jan. 28, 1901.

He completed his grade and high school education in the home community, and later graduated from Bethel College. He continued his higher education at the University of Kansas where he received a Ph. D. degree in 1925 at the age of 24.

While studying at Kansas University he also taught some courses there. Later he taught at New York University in New York City. He was an ardent scholar, very much interested in his work.

Due to illness while in New York he discontinued teaching and returned home to be on the farm. Although this experience was a great disappointment to him he faced it bravely and without complaint. Due to an accident in childhood, in which he lost his left foot, he learned early in life to face disappointments and hardships. His artificial limb was a handicap to him about which he never said much. He loved the out-of-doors and usually was outside busy with the many things that needed to be done on a farm.

He became a member of the Hopefield Mennonite Church through baptism on confession of his faith. Later he transferred his membership to the Eden Mennonite Church where he remained a member until his death.

In the spring of 1955 he became seriously ill and was admitted to the Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton. There he underwent an operation which was only partially successful. He never recovered from his illness. He suffered much, both physically and mentally, during the past two years. He died on Jan. 20, 1957, at the Prairie View Hospital, having reached the age of 55 years, 11 months, three weeks.

His parents and three brothers and one nephew preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his departure three brothers, Adolph, John, and Sam; one sister, Anna; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. J. M. Goering, Mrs. John D. Goering, and Mrs. Sam J. Goering; 13 nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

During his prolonged illness he expressed many times the longing to go home. He often recited the verse of the familiar hymn "Lass't mich Geh'n."