Obituary

Walter E. Goers, 95 Former New York resident Walter Earl Goers, died August 1, 2022, at his retirement home in Goodyear, Arizona.

Walter was born on March 11,1927, in Berwyn, Illinois, to Walter and Fern Goers. Walter was a very intelligent, resourceful, and determined individual who accomplished much throughout his long life. He was gifted academically, graduated high school at the age of 16, having skipped two grades, and entered college to study pharmacy. While in school, Walter was drafted into the Navy and served as a seaman from 1943-1945. After the war, he enrolled in Illinois Institute of Technology and graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering. Walter furthered his education at Northwestern University where he obtained a MS in Chemical Engineering. Later, he also received his Professional Engineer certification. His 30+ career as a process chemical engineer took him around the globe with significant time spent in England, Iran, Japan and Australia. In addition, Walter worked as an environmental engineer for local governments in New York. He lived in several locations in Illinois, Florida, and multiple areas in New York.

Walter met his lovely and beloved wife, Ruth Eleanor Lindstorm, at LaGrange Evangelical Mission Church, a local church in Illinois; they were married in 1952. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in April 2017, just prior to the sudden and tragic death of Ruth in May 2017.

Walter was a faithful husband and devoted father. He raised his family to love God by taking them to weekly church services and youth group meetings and by leading family devotions. He provided well for his family and instilled a strong work ethic in each of his four children. He was also very involved in several churches throughout his life, including teaching Sunday School, serving as an elder, and was the chairman of the Trustee Board at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

Always a car enthusiast, after retiring as a chemical engineer, Walter owned and operated a Meineke Car Care Center in Mahopac, New York. Walter also loved mechanics; he was always able to repair malfunctioning home appliances and completed several major household plumbing and heating projects. Walter’s hobbies included beekeeping and bowling as a young man. Later in life, his major interest became raising exotic orchids, which he did for many years. He even built a fully functional green house while living in Briarcliff Manor, New York. Walter also enjoyed playing pinochle and loved to read, and throughout his 80’s and 90’s, he remained active in several book clubs.

Walter is preceded in death by his wife Ruth (1932-2017) and his sister Betty Marsalla (2018). He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Kathleen Bartholomew (Fred), Jeffrey Goers (Karen), Steven Goers (Elena), and Jeanine Marcello (Richard); 14 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill, NY, on August 24, 2022, at 9:30 A.M.