Laurene H. ' "Mitzie" Gehring

Laurene H. "Mitzie" Gehring, 82, of Marengo, passed away Friday, December 19th, 2025, at Home surrounded by her family.

She was born April 30th, 1943, in Harvey, ND, the daughter of David and Mary (Doubek) Dockter. She married the love of her life, Wayne Gehring, on June 1st, 1962 in Anamoose, North Dakota. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family, living in Milwaukee, WI, Elk Grove Village, IL and Marengo, IL over the years.

Faith was central to Mitzie's life. She was a devoted member at St. John's Lutheran Church in Union, Illinois and previously at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. She demonstrated faith through service to others, preparing meals for the homeless and performing with the church vocal & bell choirs, missions that brought her immense joy and fulfillment.

Mitzie's greatest joy was her family. She was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother, and the love she shared with her children and grandchildren was the center of her life. She took immense pride in her children, and grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She cherished time spent with them and delighted in their accomplishments.

Mitzie had a creative and generous spirit. She loved quilting, card making, baking, and cooking. She took great joy in sharing her handmade creations, and homemade treats, with those closest to her. Her gifts reflected her love-thoughtful, warm, and always giving from the heart.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne; her children, Michael (Linda) Gehring, Suanne Bowman, and Kurt (Jill) Gehring; her mother, Mary (103); her grandchildren, Brad and Meghan Bowman, Jacob and Katie Gehring, and Riley, Kyler, and Logan Gehring; and her brother, David "Sonny" Dockter.

She is preceded in death by her father, David; and her son-in-law, Eric Bowman.

Visitation will be held on January 10th, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Union, 6821 Main St., from 9:00 - 12:00 pm. A celebration of life service for Mitzie will be held immediately following the visitation at 12:00 pm. A luncheon will follow the service at St. John's Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mitzie's name may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, 6821 Main St, Union, IL 60180 or The Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary, 606 W. Golf Rd, Mt Prospect IL, 60056.