Marilyn Goehring, 81
Marilyn Goehring, 81, of Freeman, S.D., passed away on Nov. 20 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. Her children and siblings were close by her side. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Nov. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem Mennonite (South) Church of rural Freeman. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Walter’s Funeral Home in Freeman.
Marilyn Jean Wagner was born June 9, 1942, to Earl and Delores Minnie (Sparks) Wagner of rural Freeman. She was the oldest of seven children. Marilyn grew up and helped on the family farm while attending school in Freeman. She graduated from Freeman Public High in 1960.
She met Melvin Goehring during her high school years, and they spent much of their early time together at the Menno Show Hall movie theatre, and at the Milltown roller-skating rink. She married Melvin Clifford Goehring on June 12, 1960, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in rural Menno, S.D. Six children were born to this union: Linda, Randy, Kelly, Anita, Doris and Bonnie.
Melvin and Marilyn lived in Wounded Knee in the Black Hills for the first six months of their marriage while Melvin worked construction in that area. Upon returning from Wounded Knee, they were able to start farming south of Freeman by November of 1960. They later moved to a farm south and east of Freeman for the duration of their time farming and became members of the Salem Mennonite Church.
Mom kept busy doing all things involved in raising six children and living the farm life. She cooked meals for the occasional hired workers and neighbors. For her self-care, she enjoyed listening to her country music records with favorite songs from Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, Crystal Gayle, and Dolly Parton on her stereo console at home. She also enjoyed putting together puzzle pieces and occasionally spent time drawing out house floor plans as she enjoyed figuring out the individual furniture placement. One year she painted an entire farm scene mural on one of the kids’ bedroom walls with Mister Ed the talking horse. We also remember the dolphin she painted on the backboard of our basketball hoop in the yard.
Upon slowing down from farming, Mom and Dad made the move into Freeman and enjoyed getting accustomed to the “in-town” life. They were married for 46 years until the time of Melvin’s death on Aug. 20, 2006. Mom remained in her own home after Dad’s passing, until her aging needs required her to make the move to the Salem Retirement home in Freeman. She was there for about 10 years before moving to Oakview Terrace for an additional two-and-a-half years. Any aide or staff that got to know her knew that she enjoyed Cheetos Cheezy Puffs as her treat, and they would occasionally bring her in a bag of her own. She also loved her sweet tea, and she would get a big smile on her face when her youngest child would smuggle in a couple of bottles of Gold Peak Sweet Tea to enjoy together.
She is survived by six children: Linda (Steve) Murphy of Arlington, S.D., Kelly (Randy) Boese of Viborg, S.D., Anita (Alan) Hoff of Tripp, SD, Doris Higgins of Freeman, and Bonnie (Mark) Tschetter of Freeman, and one son Randy (Betty) Goehring of Freeman; three sisters: Eva Olson, JoAnn (Kirk) McCormick and Earla (Dale) Mehlhaff, and one brother Gary (Marlys) Wagner, all of Freeman; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Delores; her husband, Melvin; sister Mary Ann and brother Darrell; two brothers-in-law Russell Olson and Julian Brodland, and one sister-in-law Jeanette Wagner.
