Rose Mary Goerke

(From Parker Mortuary)

Rose Mary Mense Goerke, age 83, of Joplin, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 at the Communities of Wildwood Ranch after a lengthy illness.

Rose Mary was born October 22, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri, daughter of the late Eugene M "Gene" Mense and Merl O'Brien Mense. She graduated from St. Peter's Catholic High School of Joplin, and then attended Joplin Junior College, Pittsburg State University, and earned a Bachelor's degree from Avila College in Kansas City. She married Ralph H. Goerke on June 21, 1958 in Joplin, Missouri. She worked as a school teacher for a while, and then went to work as a Medical Journal Editor which she enjoyed until her retirement. She officially retired from Mosby Manuscript in Saint Louis. She was a member of Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church of St. Charles, Missouri.

In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph H. Goerke who died on February 9, 2018; a brother, Eugene M. “Matt” Mense Jr.. Sisters-in-Law, Kay Goerke Lane and Josephine L. Stein Mense, and a Brother-in-Law, Thomas E. Lane.

Survivors include her 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 Rose Mary’s favorite charities, Catholic Relief Services, are suggested.