Russ Goering's Last Ride: A Life Dedicated to Helping Others

Published on Thursday, November 12, 2026 in Blog

A familiar smile, a colorful beard, and a willingness to help anyone he met. Russ Goering left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

In October, friends, coworkers, and community members gathered for a blood drive celebrating what would have been Russ's 70th birthday. The drive collected 26 lifesaving donations and honored a man who spent much of his life giving back to others. Those 26 donations will help others when they need it most, just like Russ would have.

Russ was an ImpactLife driver on our Inventory Management and Distribution team, based in Ottumwa, Iowa. He passed away suddenly in May 2026. Before joining ImpactLife, he spent much of his career working at VA hospitals in Knoxville and Des Moines, where he was also a faithful blood donor.

After retiring, his wife, Kim, who works as a donor recruiter with us, told him about an opening for a driver in Ottumwa. The job involves delivering blood from our Ottumwa distribution hub to hospitals in the region, and sometimes means driving in adverse weather to get lifesaving blood components wherever they are needed. It didn't take long for Russ to find a new calling, combining his love of helping others with a chance to stay connected to his community.

Russ's generosity extended well beyond his job. A proud Veteran, he carried military coins and loved sharing them with fellow Veterans. He once told the story of a little boy who approached him at a store around Christmas and asked if he was Santa Claus. Russ happily played along, reaching into his pocket to give the boy a Veteran coin.

He was equally thoughtful with his coworkers, always willing to lend a hand, share a story, or walk someone to their car after dark. His colorful beard, which he often dyed to match the holidays and seasons, was another unmistakable part of his personality.

The October blood drive was a fitting tribute to Russ's life and the values he carried with him: generosity, compassion, and a desire to help others. Every donation collected represented another opportunity to carry forward the work he cared so much about.

Russ was truly one of a kind. Though he is missed, his legacy of giving lives on!