Goeringer, Edward 1879-1947

GOERINGER, SPADIE, SCHUELER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 1/13/2017 at 20:42:10

Source: Sioux County Index (6-19-1947)

Born: February, 21, 1879
Died: June 7, 1947

Edward Goeringer, son of Gottlieb Goeringer and Catherina nee Spadie, was born February 21, 1879 in the German colony Pupofkina near the Volga River in Russia. On March 5th he was given into the everlasting arms of God through baptism.

On his third birthday, February 21, 1882, his father died, whereupon the oldest brother, who was already a teacher, took the family into his home. Later the mother returned to her home town, Nork, where Edward after careful instruction in the Word of God was confirmed. It was the wish of his mother that he should become a pastor. The pastor, William Staerkel, as well as his nephew Richard Bonwetsch, who was teacher at the Gymnasium, gave him private instructions to prepare him for entry into the seminary.

Since no seminary existed in Russia, he turned his attention to America. Here Edward was accepted at the Wartburg Seminary at Dubuque, Iowa. September 17th, 1896, he landed at Ellis Island and entered the seminary at the beginning of December of the same year.

In June 1906 he graduated and was ordained September 9th by pastor Philipp Ackermann who was president of the Dakota District at that time, in Welcome, Minnesota. At first he served as assistant pastor in the congregation near Ceylon, Minnesota. His first congregation was a small one between Primghar and Hartley, Iowa. In the next year Melvin was added to his charge. In 1902 pastor Goeringer married Miss Emma Schueler from Ceylon, Minnesota. This union was blessed with fourteen children, of whom 10 survive him. In 1908 he accepted a call to George, Iowa and then they moved to Rock Rapids, still serving George as well Alvord. He served the congregation at Rock Rapids for 14 years and Alvord till 1909 and George till 1914.

Because of economic conditions pastor Goeringer was forced to exchange city for country and followed a call to St. Paul’s congregation at Hull, Iowa. Here he was permitted to serve for 17 years till 1936, when he accepted a call to the Friedens congregation in Menno, South Dakota, to be followed in 1935 by Heli, North Dakota. May 1941 he served the parish Danzig, Venturia, North Dakota, and in December of the same year he moved to Linton, North Dakota.

The strain of serving five congregations brought on a heart ailment which forced his retirement in 1943 but he still hoped that a rest would allow him to return to work that he loved so well. God had decided differently.

He settled in Hull, Iowa near to most of his children and enjoying the company of friends. Always under the care of his physician he was called home June 7th at 11:00 A.M. at the age of 68 years, 3 months and 17 days, leaving to mourn his passing his devoted wife, ten children: Irma Hollander of Boyden, Iowa; Ernest of Ceylon, Minnesota; Meta Schumacher of Hull; Hilda Hollander of Boyden; Ella Heinle of Sanger, California; Elwald, Otto, Arthur, and Walter of Hull; Viola Ackermann of Lincoln, North Dakota; one brother, Gottlieb of Bessie, Oklahoma; 17 grandchildren. The four children that preceded him are: Amanda and Elsie in infancy, Irene 13 years old, and Edna 20 years of age. A host of friends and relatives pays him tribute.

The funeral service was held from the home in Hull to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church northeast of town, with Reverend Striepe officiating at the altar and Reverend Meinen preaching the sermon. Reverend Guetzlaff read the obituary and Reverend Sommerfeldt conducted services at the grave. The following pastors acted as pallbearers: Huck, Krobs, Rossler, Engelhard, Sommer and Beyer.