Raymond B. Doerhoff

Raymond B. Doerhoff, age 100, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Tuscumbia. He was born in St. Elizabeth on November 27, 1921, son of the late Stephen and Elizabeth (Bode) Doerhoff. On August 10, 1944, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, Ray was united in marriage to Rosetta Cecilia Bax, who preceded him in death on January 28, 2018. Ray attended elementary school in St. Elizabeth, and he then attended Tuscumbia High School, graduating in 1939. He later attended Iberia Junior College for one year, followed by a summer attending the Rolla School of Mines. He began his teaching career in 1940 teaching fifth 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. After his return, he and Rosetta moved back to St. Elizabeth, and 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. He was also very proud of the school in St. Elizabeth, which grew from having only three staff members when he started in 1946, to what it is today. Some of his fondest memories were when his former students came back and talked to him after they graduated and became successful in whatever career they had chosen. He was also very proud that the school initiated the first Building Trades Program in the state, having built 43 houses around the community. Ray was very proud of his service in the military and 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. In his earlier years, Ray along with his brothers and father began the Doerhoff Orchestra, playing for countless weddings and community events throughout their many years as a band. Ray was a devoted member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. He is survived by five sons, Gary (Peggy Fancher) Doerhoff of Osage Beach, Danny (Glenda) Doerhoff of Lone Jack, Neil (Claudia) Doerhoff of Sacramento, California, Bert (Jane) Doerhoff of St. Elizabeth, and Sid (Judy) Doerhoff of St. Elizabeth;14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends. In addition to his parents and his wife of 73 years, Rosetta Doerhoff, he was also preceded in death by four brothers, Leonard, Emil, Norman, and Joseph Doerhoff, and one sister, Cyrilla Heckemeyer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 13, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth with Fr. Ignitius Nimwesiga officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., on Thursday, May 12, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ray and Rosetta Doerhoff Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.