Elwood Joseph Gerke

Elwood Joseph Gerke, 88, of Pilot Grove, Missouri passed away Monday, January 25, 2016 at Katy Manor. He was born on August 14, 1927 to John and Bertha (Lang) Gerke at Buffalo Prairie near Clear Creek.

After graduating from Pilot Grove High School, Elwood joined the US Army Air Force and was stationed in Newfoundland.

He married Winifred Lammers in 1951 and they were the parents of 9 children. In 1980 he married Juanita Goodwin who had 3 children which Elwood came to love as his own.

Elwood was a farmer and a Dekalb Seed Dealer. He purchased Heinrich Grocery and operated it as Gerke's Grocery for 35 years. He was very active in community affairs and was a member of the Pilot Grove School Board, the American Legion, Lions Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He greatly treasured the support and friendship of the Pilot Grove community and St. Joseph Catholic Church. His sense of humor and love for life was enjoyed by all who knew him.

Elwood was preceded in death by his parents; sons Randall, Richard, and Gary Gerke; grandson Paul Zeller; brothers Wilfred and Norman Gerke; and sister Rosaline Twenter.

He is survived by his wife Juanita Gerke; sons Ronald Gerke (Robin) of Boonville and Scott Goodwin (Caroline) of Keller, Texas; daughters Vivian Noble (David) of New Franklin, Lois Porter of Columbia, Gail Chenault (Larry) of Boonville, Dana Brant (John) of Tipton, Amy Goodwin of Grapevine, Texas, Deanna Schupp (Rick) of Ashland, Rhonda Bookout (Bill) of Tipton; daughter-in-law Patty Gerke (Rick); 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 30, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove with burial immediately following in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church Friday, 5-7 PM with rosary at 5 PM.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church or School.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.meisenheimerfuneralhomes.com.