Obituary

Wilmer E. Goering

HOUSTON -- Wilmer E. Goering, 76, retired attorney, died December 29, 1998, in Houston.

He was born April 7, 1922, in Harvey County to Edward P. and Selinde (Wedel) Goering. He married Catherine Enid Clegg March 12, 1944. She survives. Wilmer served as Harvey County Attorney and later practiced law for many years in Wichita. For many children in the Wichita area he was known as the true Santa Claus. He enjoyed fishing. After his retirement he had a part-time business where he became known for his art glass and antique furniture. He was corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II with 1550th Service Command Unit. In September 1949, he gave the historical address to an audience of more than 1,000 people during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Mennonite migration to central Kansas. Other survivors include: one daughter, Selinde Hays of Houston; two sons, Wilmer E. Goering II of Madison, Ind., and Lawrence K. Goering of St. Louis; two sisters, Vernelle Baertsch of Portage, Wis., and Ellen Bates of Moundridge; one brother, Winston Goering of Nampa, Idaho; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lorena Goering. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, 655 S. Lorraine in Wichita with Pastor Don Steelberg officiating.