Harry William Doehring

Harry William Doehring passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved best on a sunny Monday afternoon, Aug. 19, 2013 after a brief illness. He was 91 years old.

He was the fifth of eight children, and was the son of Herman and Nellie (Murphy) Doehring. He graduated from Merrill High School in 1939. On June 29, 1941 he married his best friend Elaine Marie Frisch.

During World War II, he served in the United States Army under General George Patton, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Michigan to be with his wife and newborn daughter.

During the 1950s, Harry was a service manager at Draper Chevrolet in Saginaw, Mich. He later became partners with Burt Watson at Burt Watson Chevrolet in Freeland, Mich.

He and Elaine retired to Fountain Hills in 1991. Harry was a 33rd degree Mason out of Lodge 77 in Saginaw. He was also a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, most recently at The Fountains UMC.

His memory is cherished by his wife, Elaine; daughter and son-in-law Caren and Jerry Bowerman; granddaughter Elizabeth Hales and her husband Peter and their daughter, Rebecca; grandson Steven and his wife Pamela Hales and their son, Benjamin.

Harry is also survived by three younger brothers, Wilton (Ann) Doehring, Deane (Jane) Doehring, and Glenn Doehring, as well as by his brother-and sister-in-law, Eldon and Genevieve Frisch, and two sisters-in-law, Nancy Frisch and Lila Frisch.

He was known as Uncle Harry to many nieces and nephews, and was a trusted and honored friend to many. To his family, he was a giant among men, and will forever be our hero.

Services will take place on Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix at 9:30 a.m. His friend and Pastor David Felten will officiate.

The family would appreciate contributions in Harry’s memory to Hospice of the Valley, The Fountains United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.