Walter Bruce Doering was born to Julius and Magdelen Doering December 28, 1917 in Goodrich, ND. He passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital on July 12, 2011 following complications from pneumonia.
He grew up and attended public school in Goodrich, graduating from high school in 1935. He decided to stay out of college for a year, working for his father in their hardware store. In the fall of 1936, he enrolled in Pre-Dentistry at North Agricultural College in Fargo. He had to work his way through college. He sold shoes at J.C. Penney’s earning 28 cents per hour. In 1938, Walt was accepted at Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. He graduated with honors in 1942 in the top five percent of his class. He was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Society.
He was a dental instructor at Northwestern for one year. He obtained his dental license to practice in Illinois, Minnesota and Montana, but decided to practice in Helena. In 1945, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Schuyler. In 1948, Walt, Betty, and daughter, Betsey returned to Chicago where Walt earned his Master’s degree in Orthodontics. They returned to Helena and he entered a dental practice with brother Gordon and Dr. P.H. Radley at 907 Helena Ave. Other associates included Dr. John Madsen, Dr. H.L. Jones, Dr. C.D. Spurgin, Dr. Gary Mehelish, and Dr. Robert Fritz. Walt maintained a second office in Butte, working with Dr. E.J. Guay.Walt retired in 1987.
Walt, Betty and Betsey enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. When Walt was 90, he fell in his home and broke his neck. He spent four months in Great Falls in the hospital rehab unit and then at his niece, Francie’s home recovering and doing physical therapy. At his one year check-up, Walt asked his doctor if he could get back on the golf course. After his doctor’s approval, Walt went out and practiced a couple of times. He and his nephew, Chuck, started playing golf and on his third time out, Walt finally hit his first Hole-in-One! His nephews, Chuck, Bruce and Tom were just as excited as Walt was. He continued to golf until 2010.
Walt was a member of many charitable and professional organizations. He received special training at the Cleft Palate Institute of Lancaster, PA and Northwestern University. He was a long-time member of the Green Meadow Country Club. In 1968, he was the first dentist to be selected by the Montana Public Health Association for Distinguished Service.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; sister, Harriet; and brothers, J.R., Bob, and Gordon.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Betsey; nephews, Chuck, Bruce and Tom Doering and their families and Bill Reynolds and his family; nieces, Francie Robertson, Mimi Mantele, Randy Turpie, Shirlee Johns, Susan Kavran, Mary Carstangen, Susan Thomsen, Melissa Suits, and Sandra Romaine and their families; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with a reception to follow at the Waterford, 915 Saddle Drive at 3:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601; Easter Seals, 1100 Road Runner St., Helena, MT 59602; or to a memorial of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Walt was a loving and generous man. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Cathy Maunu says
Walt was my orthodontist when I was in high school. He patiently answered my questions about everything he was doing and sparked my interest in dentistry. He eventually wrote a letter to help me get into hygiene school. I celebrate his valuable contribution to my life as I begin my 36th year as a Dental Hygienist. I owe him so much! At the Waterford, he was a wonderful friend to my precious Father, Ed Bell, and I’m grateful they could spend time together. My condolences to Walt’s family on the passing of such a wonderful man!
Dianna says
I owe my smile to Walter! He will always be remembered with fond thoughts of his kindness. My best wishes to all his family. Dianna Reber Riley
Gail (CVS) says
I will miss Doc! When he came in, he always made my day better! He was always such a kind, polite, gentleman! I will always remember him with great kindness and respect.
Jim Willard says
To the Doering Family–As you all know Walter was a close a family friend to the Willards as anyone could have been. It was with great sadness that I read of Walters passing. All of the Willards send their heartfelt prayers and sympathy to all of you. Walter was one of God’s chosen people and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Karen B Crogan says
I met Walt when I went to work in the golf shop at Green Meadow Country Club. Walt, along with Homer Phillips, were my two favorite gentlemen. My day was always better when I got to see Walt. We have lost a wonderful person.
Kathy Johnston says
I was one of many who ferried kids back and forth from White Sulphur Springs for their appointments with Dr. Doering – and later became a patient myself. He was a kind and caring man.
Molly Galusha says
Take Good Care Betsy! You and your parents are some of my all time favorite people. I love and miss you all.
Phil Gunn says
Walter was a nice, nice man from a nice, nice family.
Michael Evans says
Dr. Doering provided exceptional care of me when I was little. Born without a roof to my mouth and no front teeth or jaw. He coordinated all of my dental work with reconstruction surgery doctors in Denver, Helena, Missoula, Palto Alto, etc. He was a major player in the team that took care of me for many years when I was young. I am now 70 years old and have enjoyed a wonderful life because of his skill, dedication, and knowledge. Thanks Doc!