Dennis Karl Goehring passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on August 16, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City. Born on September 26, 1953, in Ottumwa, Iowa, Dennis was the son of Karl Martin and Jennie Ruth Copeland Goehring. He grew up on the family farm outside of Batavia and carried with him the values of hard work and community that were instilled in him from a young age.
A proud graduate of Fairfield High School, class of 1971, Dennis was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where his dedication and leadership earned him both the State and the American Farmer degrees. His passion for agriculture extended beyond the classroom as he nurtured a lifelong fascination with harness racing—a love sparked by his youthful experiences assisting with racehorse chores alongside Jack Applebee in Eldon.
After high school, Dennis furthered his education at Indian Hills Community College, where he received a degree in ag mechanics. He seamlessly integrated this knowledge into his work on the family farm. In the off-seasons, Dennis worked for Greiner Implement in Ottumwa, honing his skills and contributing to the community before eventually dedicating himself to full-time farming.
Beyond the farm, Dennis’s industrious spirit led him to serve as an assistant to Dr. Gene Hoy at the Keosauqua and Sigourney sale barns. His pursuit of knowledge was unending, and he returned to Indian Hills Community College to earn a degree in heating and air conditioning. His career included valuable years at Nelson Manufacturing, from which he retired, as well as various manufacturing roles in the local area.
Dennis was a member of the Batavia Methodist Church and Masonic lodge, Kilwinning Lodge No. 198 A.F. & A.M., in Batavia.
Dennis’s life was enriched by the presence of his special friend, Diane Brandt of Fairfield, and his loving family. He leaves behind two brothers, Dan Goehring of Lowell, WI, and Terry Goehring (Laurie) of Buffalo, SD. His legacy is also carried forward by his nephews, Brandon Goehring of Kansas City, MO, Devin Goehring (Becky) of Waynesville, OH, and Randy (Traci), Riley (Jessica), and Ryan Routier, all of Buffalo, SD. His niece, Brianna of Boise, ID, and his great-nieces and nephews, Delainey, Isla, and Lachlin. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation for Dennis will open at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A Masonic service by Kilwinning Lodge No. 198 A.F. & A.M., Batavia, will be held at 4:30 PM prior to the visitation. The funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Funeral Home with Danny Carey officiating. Dennis will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Fell Cemetery in Libertyville. Memorials in Dennis’s honor to Fell Cemetery may be left at the Funeral Home or mailed to the family at 1007 W Jackson Ave., Fairfield Iowa 52556. Friends and loved ones may leave condolences and share memories of Dennis online at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Dennis Karl Goehring will be remembered not only for his dedication to his work and his love for the land but also for the joy and camaraderie he brought into the lives of everyone he met. His smile, infectious laughter, and the genuine care he had for his friends and family will be deeply missed.
