Ralph Hugh Goerke, age 89 Joplin, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Communities of Wildwood Ranch after a lengthy illness.
Ralph was born October 13, 1928 in St. Joseph, Missouri, son of the late Russell V. Goerke and Opal C. Bulger Goerke. He graduated from Carthage High School, and then earned a Bachelor's degree in History from Drury College of Springfield, and later a Master's degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He served his country during the Korean Conflict when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He married Rose Mary Mense on June 21, 1958 in Joplin, Missouri.
Ralph was a high school history and social studies teacher at El Dorado Springs High School, and Brentwood High School for a career of over 40 years. He was of the Catholic faith.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by a sister, Kay Goerke Lane, Brothers-in-Law, Thomas E. Lane and Eugene M. “Matt” Mense Jr., and Sister-in-Law Josephine L. Stein Mense.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Mary Mense Goerke of Joplin; a son, John M. Goerke and wife Mary of Villa Ridge, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Mike Lane and wife Terri, Vicki Schmidt and husband Tom, Cathy Lane, Margaret Blankinship, Nancy Hampton and husband Fred, Gene Mense and wife Deanna, Christine Churchwell and husband Chris, Mark Mense and wife Marilyn, and Evan Mense; several great-nieces and nephews.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations to one of Ralph’s favorite charities, the Salvation Army are suggested.
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