Sunnie Genevieve Doering

Sunnie "Sunshine" Doering, age 5, of De Pere, passed away on August 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was born on March 9, 2021, to her loving parents, Seth and Alexia (Gunther) Doering. In her five short years, Sunnie brought immeasurable joy, light, and love to her family and to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Sunnie truly lived up to her name, "Sunshine." She was a happy, bright, smart, loving, and caring little girl whose big smile, sweet giggle, and contagious laughter could light up any room. To know Sunnie was to love her. She had a beautiful, compassionate heart and an extraordinary way of making people feel cared for, often bringing joy, comfort, and a smile to those around her.

She was passionate about the things she loved and never missed a chance to have fun. Sunnie loved singing loudly and jamming to her favorite songs in the van with Mom and Dad. She could make everyone laugh with her little smirk, "eyebrowing," playful mean-mugging, and the way she would pretend to be shy before running in for one of her extra-tight hugs and sweet kisses.

Sunnie loved her family deeply, especially her siblings. She looked up to her big sister, Aria, and was a patient, tender, and loving sister to Lucy and Ace. From staying close to Lucy when she came home from the hospital to feeding, holding, cuddling, and playing peek-a-boo with Ace, Sunnie cared for her siblings with a gentleness beyond her years. She loved helping in the kitchen, baking or making dinner, and doing whatever she could for the people she loved.

Though her five years were far too short, Sunnie's kindness, warmth, and sunshine left a lasting impact on countless hearts. She brought laughter, love, and light everywhere she went, and her memory will be cherished forever.

She is survived by her parents, Seth and Alexia (Gunther) Doering; her siblings, Aria, Lucy, and Ace; her grandparents, Kathleen and Tim Kieper, Neil Gunther and his special friend, Marissa, and Jennifer Hernandez and her fiancé, Chuck; her aunts and uncles, Barry (Heather) Doering Jr., Kourtney (Andy) Sippl, Andy (Melissa) Kieper, Zach Gunther, Aiden Stoeger, Gavin Stoeger, and Kelci Thornton; her great-grandparents, Paula Killian, William (Tracy) Gunther, and Robert (Diane) Reider; and her godmother, Kimberly, and her husband, Tanner. She is further survived by numerous cousins, extended relatives, and many friends.

Those who held a particularly special place in her life include Sara, Phelan, Mitchel, Marshawn, Garret (Maddie), Zac "Red" (Mai), Collin (Hannah) and her beloved four-legged companion, Cookie.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Barry Doering Sr. and her great-grandparents, Felix Hernandez, Kathleen and Norman "Sonny" Dessart, and Art and Margaret Doering.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Sunnie's life on September 5 from 11:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life service begins at 1:00 p.m. at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, WI, with Pastor Dave Dessart presiding.

In lieu of flowers, Sunnie's family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be directed to the MACC Fund in Sunnie's memory.

Sunnie's family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to "Dr. Nate," Nathan Schloemer, M.D.; the oncology nurses and staff at Children's Wisconsin, especially her favorite nurse, Charlie; and her second-favorite nurse, Dylan. They are particularly grateful to Charlie for always making sure Sunnie had everything she wanted, including popsicles.