Ralph W. Goehring

Educator and Editor    

     Ralph Warren Goehring of Lorain died February 24, 2011 at

almost 85 years of age, at Mercy Regional Medical Center,

following a prolonged illness.

     He was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His baccalaureate

degree was from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduate

degree from Penn State University. He retired from the Lorain City Schools after teaching there 31 years. Previously he taught in Pennsylvania. Following retirement he worked in the IRS as Taxpayer Service Representative and in the Technical Referral Section.

     Survivors are his wife of almost 60 years, Mary Elaine Goehring (nee Porinchak); three children, Warren John Goehring of Jackson, MI, Karen (Lawrence) Atwood of Columbus, OH, and Kurt Allan Goehring of Mansfield, OH; two grandchildren, Zachary Haldeman and Kevin Haldeman, two step granddaughters Randi (Charles) Maguire and Molly Slater and five step great grandchildren; two nephews and six nieces. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Harvey John Goehring, Sr. and Grace Niebaum Goehring; brothers, Dr. Harvey John Goehring, Jr. and the Rev. Mr. Charles Niebaum Goehring.

     He had served as an Elder and Worship Assistant at Zion Lutheran Church; had been President, Vice President and Secretary of the Lorain Education Association; was life member of the Ohio Education Association and National Education Association, and was active in the retired components of each. He served as retired member on the Executive Committee of North Eastern Ohio Education Association. He served as Newsletter Editor of the Ohio Education Association-Retired, the Lorain Education Association and Lorain Education Association-Retired. His volunteer services included working for the Family Service Association of Lorain County, and as a counselor and instructor in IRS's tax assistance program for the elderly for over 20 years.

     In World War II he served in the U.S. Marine Corps at Pavuvu, Banika, Guadalcanal, Okinawa, and China. Among his military awards were the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with bronze star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with bronze star, Victory Medal World War II, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp, China Service Medal (extended), and Sharpshooter Rifle Badge. He continued as a Life Member of the Marine Corps League, and a member of The Devil Dogs.

     Friends will be received at Zion Lutheran Church, 5100 Ashland Avenue, Lorain, OH on Monday, February 28 from 11 - 1. Service will follow at 1p, with the Rev. Kevin Saylor presiding. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park.

     Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 5100 Ashland Avenue, Lorain, OH 44053 or to an organization of choice that serves people.

Condolences

From: Ray And Mary Camp
Relation: Friend

Mary Elaine please know we share in your saddness in Ralph's passing. He was always a gentle man with a great sence of humor. I always looked forward to working late at Family Services on the nights you and Ralph volunteered. Again please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

From: Ray And Mary Camp
Relation: Friend

Mary Elaine please know we share your sadness in Ralph's passing. He was always a gentle man with a great sence of humor. I always looked forward to working late at Family Services on the nights you and Ralph volunteered. Again please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

From:  Linda and Russ Hay
Relation: friend

Dear Karen,
Russ and I are both thinking of you - we can't wait to see you and give you a big hug. We are so sorry for your loss - please take care of yourself - I know you have to be running on fumes.
Love,
Linda and Russ

From: Lois Kostelich
Relation: Friend

Dear Mary Elaine, Karen,Warren and Kurt,

Your wonderful witty, smiling husband and father will be missed by many. 
Our family always appreciated all of you as good neighbors those many years ago.  You have given us fond memories of life on 40th street.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sending my love,
Lois

From: Richard C Swab
Relation: Friend

I am sorry to hear that Ralph has gone on.

I am sure as he did here, He will continue to serve his family and his Corps, as he guards the gates in Heaven.  I know that you now can have a little peace.  You did your time here with grace and honor "Semper Fi" fellow Marine.

Richard C. Swab
Commandant
Lofton Henderson Marine Corps League

From:  Patricia and Ralph Burnheimer

Please accept our sincere sympathy on the death of your father, Karen.  We know he had been ill for a long time but still it must be hard.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do.  Our thoughts are with you and your whole family. 

From: JOE VITALE
Relation: FRIEND

I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MR. GOEHRING'S PASSING. I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF HAVING HIM AS A TEACHER AT LORAIN HIGH SCHOOL MANY YEARS AGO.  WHAT A GENTLEMAN!ONE OF THE TEACHERS THAT I HAVE ALWAYS REMEMBERED OVER THE YEARS.

HE WAS KIND, KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND A GREAT TEACHER. I RECALL HAVING BUMPED INTO HIM WHILE SHOPPING AT THE MALL A COUPLE OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND HE ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD TO SHARE.

MY WIFE ALSO REMEMBERS HIM FROM SERVING TOGETHER ON THE LEA DURING NEGOTIATIONS IN THE LATE 1960s.

From: Sharon Boggess Mays
Relation: Student

I remember Mr. Goehring very well after all these years. He was one of my favorie teachers. I will never forget p o d classes. He always had a great smile and fair in every way. We have lost a great man
and I am sure he is smiling with God. God bless his many friends and family.