Donald Goering

Donald S. Goering, West Fargo, ND passed away peacefully under the care of HIA Hospice on Friday, September 5, 2025. Don’s wishes were granted as he passed peacefully at home surrounded by those that love him. For his last four days on this earth, Lori and his three children, Tod, Troy and Cassie were with him continuously, loving on him, holding his hands, giving endless hugs, reminiscing and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that there were a few jokes told as well. Don also had the opportunity to say his goodbyes to so many of his friends that he loved dearly. There was a lot of laughter, there were tears, but most of all there was pure happiness because they were all together

Don was born on September 1, 1943 in Moundridge, Kansas to Alfred and Velma Goering. He was the youngest of three children and the only boy; thus making him a very special little brother to his two big sisters who have adored him their entire lives. He was the cutest little freckled face kid who loved growing up on a farm outside of McPherson, Kansas. He loved his horse and his dog and he continued to love horses and dogs his entire life. He just recently donated his saddle to Three Gems Riding Academy in the hopes some child will have their own saddle as they learn to ride. One of the saddest moments recently was having to say goodbye to ‘Abi’, his Chocolate Lab that was like a child to him and Lori. He will now be reunited with Abi, his parents and his sister, Jeri, who was one of his best friends throughout life.

Don attended grade school in McPherson, KS and graduated from McPherson High School in 1961. During high school he helped his dad on the farm and thoroughly enjoyed farming and being able to be outside. He was also very active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). His first job was feeding cattle and his second job was working for his Uncle Mart on the farm. He attended McPherson Community College. In lieu of joining any of the Armed Forces, he opted to move to California and do his service working as a custodian in a Hospital in Downy, California.

He then returned to McPherson, Kansas and married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Olson in 1963. They settled down in McPherson and Don went to work for CertainTeed Corporation as a salesman, traveling across the United States. They had three children together: Tod, Troy and Cassie.

In 1972, Don and Vicki and their children moved to Fargo, North Dakota. Don co-owned and was president of GPK Products, Inc., a pipe fitting manufacturing business in Fargo that now employs approximately 200 employees and continues to thrive to this day. On September 23, 1988, Don married Lori Otto at their home in South Fargo. In 1991, Don sold his share of the business to his partner and took on the role of retirement. In 1992, Don and Lori purchased land along Little Cormorant Lake in Minnesota and started to build their dream log home. They loved the hard work of turning that piece of dirt into a beautiful home along with a log barn with flower and vegetable gardens, a lot of grass to mow, and trees to take care of as they watched them grow, with a view overlooking the lake that would never get old. Even though that home was eventually sold, part of the property was kept for hunting and a serene spot the kids now use as their ‘weekend’ home and getaway officially called “Goering Island”. This piece of property will continue to be a legacy of Don’s as it gets passed down from one generation to the next.

In 2002, Don was approached to join another manufacturing company as they wanted his entrepreneurial skills for this new start-up company. He then became a partner in Composite America, LLC. He continued to work for this company until the company was bought out in 2008 and he retired once again.

In 1997, Don and Lori moved back to Fargo. They found a home in south Fargo, making lifelong friends with neighbors. In 2016, Don and Lori moved once again, this time to West Fargo and in 2021, they settled into their new home at The Ranch at the Wilds in West Fargo, built specifically for retirement. Many new friendships were again formed and have proven to be very special during the last couple years as Don’s health declined.

Over the years, Don and Lori traveled extensively. In 2012, they were able to bring all the kids to Belize for a vacation that will never be forgotten.

Don founded Angels of Courage, a foundation in which he donationed a portion of the Little Cormorant Land in the hopes of building a facility to help children with cancer. Eventually, this foundation was turned over to Dakota Medical Foundation and continues to help others. Don was a true philanthropist and he always appreciated and helped those in need.

Don loved to hunt and fish. He was able to have the duck hunting trip of a lifetime almost two years ago in Southern Illinois on Carson Wentz’s hunting farm. This was his last hunt and he was like a kid in a candy store. He hunted alongside his nephew Tom and Carson’s brother Zach.

Recently, Don and Lori purchased a new home in Phoenix, Arizona, close to Cassie and her family. This would be their new winter home. Don was able to enjoy this home for almost two years and he and Lori were able to spend quality time with Cassie and her family, Lori’s brother, Alan, and several other friends who live in Arizona. Once again, neighbors became friends, especially “Chau” who is a cardiologist and became Don’s doctor. She saved Don’s life and allowed him to gain almost another year of life. Don was so looking forward to getting back to Arizona in October, but God had bigger plans for him.

Don led a faith-based life of helping others, hunting, fishing, traveling, telling jokes, but most of all he loved his entire family deeply. Despite all the health issues that Don has faced since he was first diagnosed with cancer in 1975, he persevered and never, ever gave up.

Don is survived by Lori, his kids; Tod Goering (Julie), Troy Goering (Jen), Cassie Velasquez (Brian), and will always be Papa G and G Pop to his grandchildren; Steven Goering, Brandon (Malaura) Goering, Logan (Alexa) Palmer, Keaton (Hailey) Goering, Jack Velasquez, Tyler Velasquez and a great grandson Goering arriving in January. Step grandchildren; Christopher Woods, Madyson (Bailey) Woods, step great grandchildren; James Woods, Beau Woods and Oaklee Lewis. Nieces and nephews; Lisa (Tom) Greening, Amy (Mac) Canby, Beth (Kirk) Grove, Wendy Morrison and Wade Rodrick. Additional nieces and nephews: Andrew Otto, Austin Otto, Ashton Otto, Alex Tuttle, Evan Tuttle, Aiden Marcussen, Izzy Marcussen. He is also survived by his sister Deanna (Mike) Hauser, brothers-in-law Alan (Lori) Otto, Mark (Tami) Otto, Kent (Yonic) Otto and Ryan Otto, sister-in-law, Gena (Doug) Marcussen, great nieces and nephew; Chloe Tuttle, Caleb Tuttle, and Cara Tuttle. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeri Rodrick, and his nephew Aaron Otto.

As one lasting legacy for the man that defied all medical odds his entire life, his body has been donated to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences Deeded Body Program in Grand Forks, ND.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 21st at the Delta Hotels Fargo, 1635 42nd Street SW, Fargo ND 58103 from 4pm-8pm. There will be time during this celebration to share stories of Don.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that any memorials be directed to the following favorite charities of Don’s. We kindly ask that all memorials be in the name of ‘Donald Goering’.

HIA Heather’s House Hospice - www.hiahealth.org/get-involved/give

 Carson Wentz AO1 Foundation – www.ao1foundation.org

St. Judes Children’s Hospital – www.stjude.org

The family wishes to thank everyone who has continued to love Don and his family during this difficult time. He is now pain free in his forever home.  

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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