Goering, Alvin J. (1918-1939)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1939 Oct 17 p. 14

Birth date: 1918 Jun 6

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1939 Oct 4 p. 2

text of obituary:

Alvin J. Goering

Alvin J. Goering, son of John B. and Jessie Schrag Goering, was born June 6, 1918, on the farm north and west of Moundridge, Kansas. Here he spent his early youth and also received his education at the Peaceful district school and the Moundridge high school until ill health caused him to cease his educational pursuits.

His ill health began in 1932 when rheumatism set in as an after-effect of scarlet fever. Two years later leakage of the heart appeared after a siege of measles.

He was baptized upon the confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by Elder Christian J. Goering and taken up as a member of the Eden Mennonite church on June 23, 1935, to which he was faithful until his early departure. He is the second one called from this baptism class.

He always loved to attend services and also took much interest in the Sunday School class.

He experienced a great shock April 12, 1936, when the mother was suddenly called out of the home.

He was united in holy wedlock with Esther Schmidt on May 3, 1939, a union which they were permitted to enjoy for the brief period of 4 months and 13 days. In spite of but a few days of health during this period he was happy and cheerful, full of hope and courage.

It was noticed last June that his health was beginning to fail him again. August 16 he was taken to the hospital at Halstead. Realizing his condition might mean death at any time he trusted n the watchful care of the Lord. Although he greatly desired to remain with his loved one, still he was ready and willing to go it the Lord's will was so.

After three weeks of critical illness at the hospital, where medical aid seemed to fail, he was permitted to return to his home. This was a great joy to him. here he suffered another week of great pain, after which he peacefully passed on to his eternal reward at 7:15 p.m., September 16, 1939. He attained the age of 21 years, 3 months and 10 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure his deeply bereaved wife, his father, 4 sisters, 11 brothers, parents-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, many friends and relatives.

Absent from the body, with the Lord, at home!
     Not another heartache, not another moan!
Oh, the hearty welcome, in the glad embrace
     Of my loving Saviour, matchless is His grace!

"With Me!" He has said it. Now it's brought to pass;
     More than I had visioned through earth's darkened glass.
Not the radiant splendor — that's not home to me —
     I am His companion through eternity.

Not the royal grandeur, palace of the King,
     But the love that tells me I am dear to Him!
Home! — not in surroundings, dearest heart's retreat!
     Knowing as He knows me — intercourse, how sweet!

Home! How satisfying! Folded to His heart,
     Proving love's intention pleasures to impart;
Home! Where love's enjoyment known in blest accord,
     By true heats united — saved ones and the Lord!

This is my rejoicing, evermore to share
     Joys for which He suffered, when my sins He bare.
Weep not, dear companions of earth's little day,
     For His joy and my joy, I've been called away.

— E. J. Checkley.