Jairus C. Goking, age 85, of Sheboygan, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, September 7, 2026, St. Nicholas Hospital.
Jairus was born in Sheboygan on October 6, 1940, to the late Carl and Norma (Bahlow) Goking. He graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1958, and married Hilrita (“Rita”) Zimmermann on December 3, 1960.
At the age of 14, Jairus was the youngest livestock broker in Wisconsin, and was licensed for over 59 years. He built a farming business that began with two farms and eventually expanded to five farms, four rental properties and several tracts of land. Jairus was very active in the cattle brokerage business mainly dealing in dairy cattle. Goking Livestock trucks were a familiar site in Sheboygan and surrounding counties. Jairus sold cattle to large dairy farms in Arizona, Minnesota, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Those he encountered along the way likely heard him say, “Three things that I don’t like: A man’s check that is no good, machinery that does not work, and a cow that kicks”.
In addition to traveling the world with Rita, Jairus had a passion for collecting. From vintage signs, icons and other interesting curiosities to a collection of classic vehicles, he was always on the lookout for the next treasure. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Chapter Model A club, and his favorite vehicle was a 1929 Ford Model A Coupe. Jairus also enjoyed road trips on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Jairus is survived by his wife, Rita; three children, Pamela Schernecker (Steve), James Goking (Janelle Boerner), and Charles Goking (Traci Jost); six grandchildren, Cody (Lindsay Schnelle), Alec, Molly Steffe (Scott), Jack (Vivian Dang), Jake (Kaitlyn Zink) and Tanner (Diranda Pfeifer); four great-grandchildren, Abraham, Aria, Weston and Emersyn; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends; and his beloved dog, Lola.
Along with his parents, Jairus was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Raymond Leicht, his sister Loella Leicht, in-laws Edwin and Emma Zimmermann, and granddaughter Meg.
A private funeral service for Jairus was held at the Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center, and he will be laid to rest at Kohler Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Sheboygan Senior Center or Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.
A Celebration of Life for Jairus will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM at Willow Falls of Johnsonville (formerly Laacks Hall), W4302 Co Rd JM in Sheboygan Falls.
The family would like to thank dear friends Mark and Deb for their love and support.
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