Arvina Leona (Borkirchert) Goehring

Arvina Leona Goehring, age 93 of Mishawaka, formerly of Hosmer, South Dakota, passed away at Creekside Village Nursing Home on February 12, 2023.  Arvina was born December 4, 1929, on the family farm near Roscoe, South Dakota to the late Otto and Emma (Wittmeier) Borkirchert. She was employed for over 40 years as an assistant director of the Hosmer Senior Citizens Home prior to her retirement.  She later moved to the Michiana area to be closer to her son and lived at Tanglewood Trace for over 12 years where she used her self-taught talent to play the piano for the resident’s entertainment and during church services at Tanglewood.

She is survived by her son Lynell “Lee” (Cherri) Goehring of Mishawaka, her grandchildren Jason Goehring and Tiffany Goehring, along with her great grandson Keegan Goehring.  Her son, Larry Goehring preceded her in death in 1979, as well as her brother, Melvin Borkirchert.

A private service will be held at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola and Arvina will be laid to rest beside her son Larry in Bethany Cemetery, Hosmer, South Dakota at a later time.

While working full-time at the nursing home Arvina also enjoyed spending time tending to her flower garden and also raised all kinds of fruits and vegetables which she often canned and shared with others.

Arvina was extremely proud of her German heritage and spoke the language fluently.  Often, while working at the Nursing Home, she was called upon by the younger staff to help bridge the gap between them and the residents who spoke German. She also loved spending time at the Germans from Russia Heritage Society, meeting new friends and keeping active with the club.

In her spare time, she was a talented seamstress and enjoyed quilting. Many of the residents and staff at Tanglewood brought their clothing to her to be tailored, and she enjoyed helping them tremendously.  She also loved to have fun.  Before moving to Mishawaka, she often dressed up in costumes and participated in hometown parades and skits at the Nursing Home.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Hosmer American Legion Post 189 Auxiliary, 107 East Main Street, Hosmer, SD 57448. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Arvina’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.