Donna Jean Goehring

Donna Link Goehring of Colorado Springs, CO, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the Healthcare Resort in Colorado Springs.

Funeral services will be held at Christy-Smith Funeral Home in Sioux City, IA, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow at 12:00 noon. As per her wishes, Donna’s body has been cremated.

Donna Link Goehring was born on June 16, 1941, to Willis and Buelah (Mabel King) Link. She grew up in Sioux City, IA, and graduated from East High School in 1959. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Elementary Counseling from the University of South Dakota in 1963 and 1974, where she was a proud member of Chi Omega.

Donna began her teaching career in Minneapolis and later taught in the Department of Defense (DOD) schools in Anchorage, Alaska (1966–1968) and Germany (1968–1970). She also taught in Jonesboro, GA, as a Title III teacher. In 1969, she accepted a position as a sixth-grade teacher in Alton, IA, where she met Jerald Goehring—they taught across the hall from one another.

Donna and Jerald were married on June 19, 1971, at Grace United Methodist Church in Sioux City, IA. They both taught for one year in Cedar Rapids, NE, before moving to Westbrook, MN, where Jerald became Principal of the Elementary School. Donna served as a part-time and substitute teacher and coordinated the school’s Gifted Program.

Donna was also deeply involved in her community, serving on the Westbrook City Council from 1978 to 1996, including time as Acting Mayor, during which she was known for her positivity, dedication, and leadership.

In 1996, the couple returned to Sioux City, IA, to help care for Donna’s mother. Donna worked as an office clerk for American Family Insurance for one year before joining IBP (IAMS) in North Sioux City, SD, where she remained until her retirement in 2007.

Donna and Jerald made their home in Dakota Dunes in 1997, where they were surrounded by wonderful and caring neighbors. Donna valued her friendships deeply, especially with her high school friends, with whom she enjoyed many cherished outings over the years. She also had a love for crafting and sewing, often selling her creations at bazaars to support her church.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Jerald Goehring; three children: Craig (Lynn) Goehring of Kansas City, MO; Bryce (Rachel) Goehring of Omaha, NE; and JaDee (Adam) Harsma of Colorado Springs, CO; and her brother, James (MaryBeth) Link of Omaha, NE.

She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jenna Marie, Katherine Jean, Emily Christine, and Megan Elizabeth of Omaha, NE; Joy Lynn and Cody Alan of Kansas City, MO; and Sofie Jean of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as one step-grandchild, Collin Dusten of Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by her nephew, David (Theres) Link, and grandniece, Aideen Emaline, both of Omaha, NE.

She will be lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces, friends, and acquaintances.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Buelah (Modrell) Link, and her sister, Betty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Diabetes Research, or Grace United Methodist Church in Sioux City.