Mary Jean Goeres
December 25, 1927 - February 15, 2019
Obituary
LODI-Mary Jean Goeres died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. She was born on Christmas morning in 1927 to Roy and Bertie Mae Graney on the family farm outside Lancaster in Grant County, Wis. From a one-room school house to boarding in town for high school, she traveled to Carroll College in Waukesha to study English education. During a spin on the dance floor with Ted Goeres, they knew they were meant for each other. He was a returning U.S. Air Corps pilot and member of the college choir. They married in 1949 and started a family in Lodi where Ted managed the family business, the Lodi Canning Company.
They welcomed Susan (Marc Klein), Nancy (Michael Rusinek), Lucille (James Martin) and Robert to the world. Grandchildren Charles (Leila) and Elise Wagner, and Jon (Stephanie), Devin and Nyssa Goeres found great joy when staying with Grammy.
MJ was deeply involved in the arts and volunteerism in Lodi. She directed the choir at the Lodi United Methodist Church for 40 years, led Omniana Floor Show fundraisers that benefited the Lodi Public Library, was a Girl Scout leader and school board member, AFS host mother and a life-time trustee of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras. She loved her family, hosting parties and big family dinners, singing and traveling the world with Ted. Her energy and smile were infectious.
Mary Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert and his wife, Marcella; and daughter-in-law, Jill.
A memorial service will be held at LODI UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 130 Locust St., Lodi, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, with the Rev. Marjorie Rice Myers presiding. A luncheon will follow the services at the church. Memorials in Mary Jean’s name may be given to the Lodi Public Library, 130 Lodi St, Lodi WI 53555 or The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, 2009 Beltline Hwy, Suite 202, Madison WI 53713.
The family wishes to thank Mom’s companion and caregiver, Mary Gallagher for her love and compassion. Also, thanks to the extraordinary nursing staff and aides at Good Samaritan Center in Lodi for their devotion to their patients. Online condolences may be made www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
592 157 S. Main St.
(608) 592-3201
Events
Memorial Service
Sat Feb 23, 2019 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Lodi United Methodist Church • 130 Locust St., Lodi, WI 53555
Photos
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.
Memories
MS
Michael Sheridan
Other •
The Sheridan’s celebrate you mother’s life. We were in Lodi a brief time but, a time of immense input on your mother’s part to the Town, the School, and the Arts. Mary Jean leaves a pretty wonderful legacy. Our thoughts and love. Shelly,Michael,Kathy,Chris,Pat,Tim,Mary and Boo(Bridgette) Sheridan
SH
Steve Herwig
Other •
When I was a high school lad I had the opportunity to sing in the Lodi United Methodist Church Choir under the direction of Mary Jean. She had unbridled enthusiasm in this role and it was such a privilege to sing in a group of adults. Music was such a large part of her life.. It brings a smile to my face when I recall her joyous vigor conducting the choir.
My condolences to Ted and the family.
Steve Herwig
West Des Moines, Iowa
RW
Richard Wigglesworth
Other •
Dear Ted,
With my sincere sympathy. Can't remember meeting your wife, but I have good memories of working for you at the cannery and on the field crew with Simon Miller and Chauncy Gannon as supervisors. I applaud you and your wife for your many contributions to the town and citizens of Lodi (and also for your father's beneficence before you.) Having summer employment with your firm certainly helped me get through the University of Wisconsin (and then on to a USAF career). I understand the ordeal that you have gone through and the despair of Alzheimer's as my wife is now in memory care as well.
God Bless,
Richard Wigglesworth
Hernando, Florida
DT
Dan Treinen
Other •
To Sue, I wanted to send a note to help you through your really sad moments of losing your mom. I'm sure her passing was a blessing after seeing her leaving you with Alzheimer Disease. We know that the end is coming when a loved one has a terminal disease and we try to prepare for the loss and the pain that is with that, but try as we might it still hurts so much. I'm sure that the many memories and stories shared have helped. Your faith and Gods love will carry you through this and other rough spots in your life. She touched many many people.
MM
Maurita Murphy Marx
Other •
Dear Goeres Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, Mary Jean. We have so many great memories of her from Youth Symphony days, and especially when both your parents came to the Madison Opera performance reception for our brother Tom years ago. We had a very memorable visit with them at that time. We also cherished the rides to Youth Symphony rehearsals!
We are grateful and fortunate to have known her, ( and your dad) as they both were incredible role models for their kids, the arts, community.
Most of all, your mom's spirit of unconditional love and support is our greatest memory.
The Murphy Family
Middleton, WI