In Loving Memory

John D Goering

John D. Goering, a longtime Colville resident, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on November 15, 2023 at the age of 87.  John was born on January 28, 1936 to Henry and Josephine (Stevens) Goering in Harden, Montana as the curfew whistle sounded.

John spent his early childhood in Montana, spending a short time in Wyoming before his family would relocate to Spokane, WA at the age of 11, when his father began working as a butcher for Armor Meats.  John completed his education in Spokane, graduating from Central High.  In 1956, John would marry Carol Hunt, after meeting through his brother.  The newlyweds settled in Spokane, welcoming their first daughter, Terri, followed shortly thereafter by their daughter Tracy.

In 1964, John's service with the National Guard would bring the family to Colville, where he was tasked with beginning the Colville Command unit at the Colville Armory, which would go on to become an artillery unit.  The family would move to a home on the armory property, where John and Carol would raise the girls.  Until his retirement in the mid-90's, John's duties saw him travel frequently, with many trips to Ft. Lewis over the years, and he would even take over command of the unit in Omak, requiring weekly trips there as well.

Throughout his life in Colville, John has been extremely involved throughout the community.  Along with Bill and Dick Baker, he helped run the original TV cable to Colville and power to the cross that is still illuminated above Colville every night. John was a troop leader for the local boy scouts, taking them on many trips over the years; and for 25 years, he was a hunters safety course instructor with the VFW, imparting his knowledge and wisdom on the next generation of hunters.

In 1998, John married Claudia Oakshott, and the two would run a llama farm at their house, frequently hosting school field trips to the farm for tours to learn about the llamas and the great care John and Claudia put into them.  John was a longtime member of the Knights of Pythias, helping with the maintenance of the cabin and grounds for many years, among many other roles.  His work and involvement with various clubs and organizations didn't leave much free time in his life, however, John made sure to make time for his children and grandchildren, and an annual hunting trip to Montana.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Claudia (Oakshott) Goering; and his brother, George Goering. He is survived by his two daughter, Terri Rose (Carey) of Colville, and Tracy Altringer of Spokane; his grandchildren, Cassy Ochs (Chris), Tanner Dotts (Mariah), Nicolle Altringer, Courtney Acosta (Chris), and Levi Rose (Corrina); and his great grandchildren, Casen, Easton, Avery, Ava, and Axel, along with a host of extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Colville Ag-Trade Center.  He will be laid to rest at the Mountain View Park Cemetery with his wife, Claudia, in a private ceremony.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with John's care and cremation.