Juanita Annette Gerke

Juanita Turner Goodwin Gerke: 3/16/1938 - 1/10/2025

For 40 plus years, she predicted and was convinced she would live until at least 105. She wanted to say SHE MADE IT, but God had another plan for her.

Juanita was born in Fairfield, Iowa on March 16, 1938, to Harry and Bernice Ireland Turner. She grew up in several towns in Iowa, graduated from Ottumwa High School, attended Parsons College and graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teachers (Truman State University) in 1960 where she ranked 3rd in her graduating class. Juanita married her high school sweetheart, Gary Goodwin, on March 3, 1959, and they became parents to Scott Goodwin, Amy Goodwin and Deanna Goodwin Schupp.

On April 26, 1980, she married Elwood Gerke of Pilot Grove, MO, and eagerly welcomed his eight children into their blended family. What fun get-togethers all enjoyed; especially at Christmas time!

Juanita retired after teaching 25 years at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO. She returned to work for another ten years at the Casino in Boonville. Following Elwood's passing, she moved to Ashland, MO until her death.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Scott Goodwin, and his wife Caroline (Shelby Motley, husband Jon, daughter Courtney, and Mallory Goodwin); Amy Goodwin; Deanna Schupp and her husband Rick (Chase and Kaden). Also surviving are stepchildren: Vivian and David Noble; Lois Porter; Ronald & Robin Gerke; Dana and John Brant; Rhonda and Bill Bookout; and 13 step-grandchildren, 27 step-great grandchildren, and two step great-great grandchildren. Juanita's brother, Richard Turner and his wife Kathy also survive.

Waiting in heaven to reunite with Juanita are: Husband, Elwood; her parents, grandparents, all aunts and uncles, and stepchildren Gail Chenault, Richard Gerke, Gary Gerke, as well as her step-grandchildren Amy Long and Paul Zeller (Lois's children).

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Juanita's remarkable life at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove. The visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with Father Mark Smith officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pilot Grove.

Pallbearers are Grandsons Eric Noble, Tracy Friedrich, Romy Brant, Zachary Gerke, Beau Bookout, Brock Bookout, Blake Gerke, Chase Schupp, and Kaden Schupp.

Honorary pallbearers are Granddaughters Stacy Long, Reva Raymond, Randi Stewart, Callie Friedrich, Emily Brant, Shelby Motley, Paige Benny, and Mallory Goodwin.

Memorial contributions are suggested to State Fair Community College ATTN: Business College Scholarship.

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home, Pilot Grove, MO.