Raymond Doerhoff

1921-2022

Posted

Raymond B. Doerhoff, 100, St. Elizabeth passed away Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Tuscumbia.

He was born Nov. 27, 1921, to Stephen and Elizabeth (Bode) Doerhoff in St. Elizabeth.

He was united in marriage to Rosetta Cecilia Bax, Aug. 10, 1944, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, .

Ray attended elementary school in St. Elizabeth, graduating from Tuscumbia High School in 1939. He attended Iberia Junior College for one year, followed by a summer attending the Rolla School of Mines College. He began teaching in 1940, teaching 5th grade in St. Elizabeth. His education was interrupted by the start of World War II, and he enrolled in the Merchant Marine Radio School in 1942. After graduating from Radio School, Ray served as a radio operator aboard ship until after the war ended. He continued his education at Central Missouri Teacher’s College and Washington University. He started teaching in St. Elizabeth High School in 1946 and taught there continuously until his retirement in May of 1986, including 41 years as superintendent. After his retirement he was recognized by the Missouri Department of Education as a recipient of the “Pioneer in Education” award.

Ray was very proud of his service in the military and has participated in the “Honor Flight” program, an opportunity for which he was very grateful. He was also instrumental in establishing the “Veterans Memorial” in St. Elizabeth, which is just across the street from the school and lists the names of every veteran from St. Elizabeth and St. Anthony.

He was preceded in death by parents Stephen and Elizabeth; wife of 73 years, Rosetta Doerhoff; brothers Leonard, Emil, Norman and Joseph Doerhoff; and sister Cyrilla Heckemeyer.

He is survived by sons, Gary (Peggy Fancher) Doerhoff of Osage Beach, Danny (Glenda) Doerhoff of Lone Jack, Neil (Claudia) Doerhoff of Sacramento, Calif., Bert (Jane) Doerhoff of St. Elizabeth, and Sid (Judy) Doerhoff of St. Elizabeth; and 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 12, from 4–7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the St. Elizabeth Community Center.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, May 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church St. Elizabeth, with Fr. Ignitius Nimwesiga officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Lawrence Cemetery, St. Elizabeth.

Memorials suggested to the Ray and Rosetta Doerhoff Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home, Iberia.