Lee A. Goers' Obituary
Lee Alan Goers, 76, of Camanche, Iowa, passed away on March 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Born on March 27, 1947, to Donald and Janice Goers in Clinton, Iowa, Lee was the eldest of three children. He was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in 1961 and graduated from Clinton High School in 1965. Following high school, Lee continued his education by earning his Associate of Arts degree from Clinton Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech from the University of Northern Iowa's College of Education. Answering the call to serve his country, Lee enlisted in the Army in 1969, serving in the 1st Infantry Division, A Battery, until his honorable discharge in 1971.
On August 11, 1973, Lee married Jean Leary, with whom he raised two daughters, Kelli and Kathi. Though Lee and Jean divorced in 1995, Lee later found love and companionship with Lorie Waugh, with whom he shared his life until his passing.
Lee worked for the State of Iowa for 38 years at Iowa Workforce Development, specializing in assisting veterans with job opportunities. In 1992, he was recognized as the Iowa Department of Employment Services' Employee of the Month for his efforts to showcase the department's services and programs in the Clinton, Iowa, area. He retired in 2013.
An avid reader and fervent science fiction enthusiast, Lee's heart belonged to the cosmos, particularly the Star Trek universe. Lee found solace and joy in long walks and proudly supported the UNI Panthers. Lee also enjoyed politics, as evidenced by his active involvement in the local Democratic party, where he advocated for causes close to his heart. Lee was also a prolific blood donor. Upon learning he was considered a universal blood donor as a young man, Lee made countless donations over the course of his life, routinely donating again as soon as he became eligible to do so.
Most of all, Lee enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Lee's enduring legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire us as we gaze toward the infinite potential of the final frontier he so passionately embraced. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Lee was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his partner, Lorie Waugh of Camanche, Iowa; his daughters, Kelli Goers (Joseph Jurkowski) of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and Kathi (David) Gosnell of Des Moines, Iowa; Lorie Waugh’s sons Alan (Marisa) Phillips of Rockwall, Texas, and Ian (Brenda) Waugh of East Moline, Illinois; his brother, Steven (Willona) Goers of Columbia, Maryland, his sister, Lynn Hixson, of Indianapolis, Indiana; his uncle, Duane Goers of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, his cousin Kathleen (Mark) Wilden of Marion, Iowa; his beloved grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A public visitation will be Friday, April 5, 2024, from 4:00-7:00pm at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Private services will be held on Saturday with burial at Oakland Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Clinton AMVETS Post #28. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lee's name to MercyOne Hospice.
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