Mary Doering

Mary M. Doering, 98, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 2:55 AM at the West Point Care Center. She was born on May 27, 1915 in Ft. Madison to George and Amanda Meyer Beckert. Mary attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph High School and was dubbed the "class song bird". She soloed for many years at weddings and special events and also over the radio. Her uncle, Adrian Meyer invited her to sing in the St. Mary's choir where she met Val Doering. Val & Mary were married on October 13, 1937 at St. Joseph Church and he passed away on October 22, 2000 after 63 years of wedded bliss. Mary also took care of Diane and Michael Beckert, her brother Albert Beckert's adopted children until they graduated from Aquinas High School. She also cared for her mother and Val's mother until they both died in 1967. Mary was an active leader in her family, church, school, and community in that order. Even when homebound and unable to walk without a walker she wrote letters to the editor, made phone calls for "right to life" groups and also wrote letters to political leaders. She was a member of Daughters of Isabella, Catholic Ladies Auxiliary, St. Mary's Mothers Club, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Right to Life, the Newberry Center, Cameral Club and she was also a Cub Scout Mother and Blue Bird Leader. Mary enjoyed painting with water colors and she gave away dressed dolls through Ft. Madison Bank & Trust to poor children. Mary enjoyed traveling with her husband to many places such as Rome, Fatima, Mexico City, and several states in America. Survivors include two daughters, Carol (Dale) Holterhaus and Mary "Mitzi" Freyman both of Lakeland, FL and a son, Ron Doering of Ft. Madison; fourteen grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters. Friends may call after 2 PM on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory where the family will receive friends from 3-5 PM. A rosary will be recited at 5 PM at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, July 29, 2013 at Ss. Mary & Joseph Church with Rev. David Wilkening officiating. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com