Irene Jeanette Goehring (Bleyle), 85, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, in Brookings, South Dakota, after a six-year battle with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Brookings. A Graveside Service will take place in Mobridge, SD, at Green Wood Cemetery on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Click here to view the livestream of Irene's Funeral Service.

Irene was born on February 16, 1941, in Momence, Illinois, the fourth of 18 children born to John and Lillian Bleyle. She grew up in Illinois and Aberdeen, South Dakota, and graduated from high school in Kankakee, Illinois, in 1959.

After high school, Irene moved to Tucson, Arizona, where her three sons were born. In 1972, she moved to Mobridge, South Dakota, to be closer to her family. It was there that she met Keith Goehring in 1973. They were married on October 11, 1974, and together they welcomed two daughters, Keith adopted Irene's three sons, and their family became complete.

While living in Mobridge, Irene worked as a cook at Mobridge Community Hospital and the Silver Grill Café. In 1976, the family moved to Lowry, South Dakota, where Irene devoted herself to raising her children. In August 1981, the family moved to Madison, South Dakota. It was there that Irene began her career as a full-time home daycare provider. For more than two decades, she opened her home and her heart to countless children, caring for them until she retired from the daycare business in 2003. The children she cared for became an important part of her life, and many families will remember the love and care she gave so freely.

After retiring from daycare, Irene worked for three years as a cook at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Irene was well known for her love of baking and her generosity in sharing what she made with others. In 1992, she began a Christmas cookie tradition that continued for 30 years, until 2022. Each Christmas, she would make approximately 250 dozen cookies for family and friends to enjoy. Her baking was one of the many ways she showed her love for others. She also baked homemade pies for Nick's Hamburgers in Brookings and served as the “MANA in the Middle” Wednesday night dinner coordinator at First United Methodist Church in Brookings. Irene was an active member of P.E.O., Chapter BA, and a member of the United Women of Faith ladies group at the Methodist Church.

Those who knew Irene will remember much more than her many accomplishments. They will remember her infectious smile, her unmistakable laughter, and the warmth she brought into a room. Irene had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for. She found joy in her family, in helping others, and in the simple traditions that brought people together.

Irene and Keith shared a love of attending many SDSU activities together, creating countless memories along the way. Irene also took great joy in attending her grandchildren's activities and events. She loved watching them participate, cheering them on, and being there to support them in all they did. Whether she was cheering on her grandchildren at their activities, attending SDSU events with Keith, baking cookies for family and friends, or gathering loved ones around the table, Irene found her greatest joy in the people she loved and the memories they made together.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Bleyle; seven brothers; and six sisters. She is survived by her beloved husband, Keith; her children, David Goehring (Angela), Richard Goehring, Matthew Goehring (Tami), Elizabeth LaSure (Brock), and Kathy Amegandji; three brothers and one sister; 16 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Irene leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and love. Her family and the many people whose lives she touched will carry her memory forward and continue to share the love she gave so generously.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church Pastors Emergency Fund in Irene's memory.