4-11-1936 – 01-06-2024
Harry Dean Goering along with his twin brother Larry came into the world on April 11, 1936 at the family home in Moundridge, Kansas. Their arrival completed the family with sixteen children. Their mother passed away two days after their birth. The babies were taken care of separately for about one year by two Aunts from each side of the family. After they arrived back at their home, the older siblings took over the care and raising of not only the twins but the other children in the family as well. The family moved to Peabody, Kansas where they began a dairy. It was lots of work but there were many hands to share the load.
Their dad made certain the family went to church every Sunday. It took two cars to get them there. It was at church that Harry learned about Christ and later became a believer and was baptized. Harry graduated from Peabody High School where he participated in all the sports. He attended Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, joined the Army and served for two years during peace time. Then he decided to call beautiful Colorado home and went to work for the Martin-Marietta Company (defense contractors). He held various positions but most of the years were spent in Data Systems. He met Gene Hagenson at work. That relationship included her two nine-year-old twins, a boy and a girl, Russell and Nona; he married Gene in 1962. He was an instant dad and life was busy with work and two children to raise.
Many of the family trips centered around visiting family in Kansas and Michigan. Travels also included, The Women’s National Bowling Tournaments where Gene was a champion. During his forty years in Colorado, he became a diehard Broncos fan and had season tickets from 1969 to 2002. Later the Rockies came to Denver and he picked up another sports team to cheer for. He coached football for 9-to-12 year olds in the Denver Police Athletic League. While at Martin-Marietta he was the chairman for the 100th anniversary of the United Way campaign. In December 1991 while still working he began his own business – Goering Home Tax service. At age 55 Harry retired and concentrated solely on his tax business.
Harry was widowed suddenly in 1990 after 28 years of marriage. He met Rosie in Sept. 1993 after she was transferred with her job to Aurora, Colorado. They were married June 4, 1994. He and Rosie traveled considerably over the next 20 years. They visited Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, The Czech Republic, France, Austria, Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. While living in Highlands Ranch, Colorado he became treasurer of the South Surburban Christian Church which they attended regularly. Early in their marriage Harry convinced Rosie to take up golf! After lessons and much practice; they did enjoy many rounds of golf together in Colorado, California, and Kansas. Harry did have two holes in one!
They moved to Southern California in 2002 and lived in a 55+ community. It wasn’t long before they were involved withRosie’s family there and two growing grandsons. Being a runner himself in his youth, Harry loved going to the many cross-country events the boys entered. Harry and Rosie made wonderful new friends in the community and at Canyon Lake Community Church, where he grew in his faith. They lived there over eighteen years before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona where they were the first residents at the Legacy Village. The last three years, they have met many wonderful friends.
Harry is survived by his wife Rosie Krehbiel Goering: children Russell (Sharon), Nona Kirk (Kim), stepdaughters: Lisa Thomas (Chris), Jodi Rogers (Sue Schmitt); grandchildren: Stoney Stagg, Kimberly McCallum (Jim) and Charles Ward (Karyn); step-grandsons, Steve Kirk (Evelyn), Joshua Thomas and Aaron Thomas; twelve great grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. Sisters-in-law: Hildred, Orletta, Rosella (Ray Brandt), and Ida; Brother-in-law: Tony; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents, John B. and Jessie Schrag Goering; wife: Gene Hagenson Goering; brothers: Walt, Al, Bill, Dan, Herb, Art, Ralph, Jim, Larry, Leonard, and John; sisters: Elva, Frieda, Martha, and Joan.
His remains will be taken to Colorado and Kansas.