Russell Clifford Goering was born on October 11, 1956, to Ivan "Ike" and Louise (New) Goering in Chariton, Iowa. He married Susan Kimberly Philips on October 29, 1983. They resided in Ottumwa, Iowa.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves. Protecting has been Russ' calling. He was employed as a Police Officer at the V.A. Medical Center in Knoxville and Des Moines. He retired in 2016. He purchased his dream Harley-Davidson motorcycle and traveled with family and friends. He enjoyed life. He was a member of the American Legion Honor Guard, where he had the privilege of giving a final farewell to his fellow veterans.

He is survived by his wife, Kim; daughters Donna Marie Goering & Olivia Kay Goering; brother David (Diantha) Goering, sister Susan (Jimmy) Goering-Harris; and sister-in-law Robin Elliot Goering, nieces Farrah (Josh) Benge and Whitney Elliot; nephew Davin Goering; great nieces Izzie and Charlot Benge; and great nephew Bryce Benge.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ike and Louise Goering, and brother Ivan Goering.

Memorial contributions can be made to ImpactLife in Russell's memory. 

His final resting place is the Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa, on May 28, 2026. A "Going Away Party" will be held on October 10, 2026, at Memorial Park in Ottumwa, Iowa, from 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.