Douglas C. Goninan

Douglas C. Goninan, (89) passed away at his home in Idaho Falls on Dec 16, 2025. He was born to Clyde and Mae Goninan on April 13, 1936 in Maple Grove, Minnesota. He was the eldest of four siblings. He spent his youth growing up in Brainerd, MN and after graduating from high school joined the US Navy, where he served on the USS Pickaway transporting US Marines around the Pacific Ocean. After leaving the military he became a Union Plumber and Pipefitter. He was hired by Cherne Contracting Corp. He retired from his career with Cherne Contracting Corp. after thirty plus years in a Project Manager role at many different power plants across the mid and western United States, including INL in Idaho.

He was married to his first wife, Marcia Peterson, to which four children were born. They later divorced and he met Beryl Krause in 1979 in Maysville, KY. They married in May of 1980 and began a 45 year marriage. Doug and Beryl combined two families together and he became a second father to Beryl’s three children. After many moves across the west they decided to build their retirement home in 1988 on a beautiful piece of land in Idaho Falls.

His main activity after his retirement in 1995 was to make his home and land a little piece of paradise. Doug truly enjoyed a good day of hard work. When he wasn’t working on his own place he would help all of the his kids make their homes better. He was an excellent plumber and enjoyed fixing up furniture during the winter months. If Doug didn’t have a project he would have his nose in a book. He also enjoyed hunting, golfing and a good meal.

Doug and Beryl purchased a couple of camp trailers over the years and drove all over the US exploring and visiting family and friends along the way. Their home was also the destination for many family and friends. Doug and Beryl also loved their many dogs over the years.

Doug is survived by his wife, Beryl. His siblings, Donna Sudgen (Kenny), and Jean Malone.

His children, Rick Goninan (Mary Carol) of Ellisville, MO, Jana Pernula (Paul) of Brainerd, MN, Michael Goninan, Adam Krause (Kirsten) of Middleton, ID, Ann Ewell (Blair) of Little Rock, AR, and Beth Hutchings (Erik) of Idaho Falls. Fourteen grandchildren and his loyal canine companions Mulan, Marney and Murphy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marilyn Boese, son Scott Goninan, his grandson, Logan Krause and his many dogs over the years that loved Doug.

The best way to describe Doug was, “He was a good man”, simple but true. He would drop everything to help any of his seven children. He was a quiet man but he spoke with his actions.

To be loved by Doug was an honor and we are all grateful for the time we had him in our lives.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Eastern Idaho. A very special thank you to our amazing nurse, Patricia. There will be a Celebration of Life next summer.