Monsignor Joseph Gosche

Monsignor Joseph E. Gosche, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born Dec. 15, 1923, at Oran, Mo., son of George John and Amanda Helen Schwartz Gosche.

Monsignor Gosche served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946 and was a veteran of World War II. He received the Victory Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and two overseas bars.

He attended Southeast Missouri State University, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, and received a bachelor of arts degree from Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis.

Monsignor Gosche was ordained March 26, 1955, at St. Louis Cathedral by the Rev. Joseph E. Ritter for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

He was a 3rd-degree member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 1321 in Fredericktown, Mo., and 4th-degree member of Ste. Genevieve Assembly No. 1895.

Monsignor Gosche was pastor of St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau from Aug. 1, 1977, until becoming pastor at St. Michael in Fredericktown, Mo., Aug. 17, 1987. He retired Oct. 12, 1997.

His other appointments included: associate, Sacred Heart, Caruthersville, Mo.; in charge, St. Ann's, Malden, Mo., and auxiliary chaplain at Malden Air Base; office of advocate, diocesan tribunal; associate, Sacred Heart, Poplar Bluff, Mo.; temporary pastor, Sacred Heart, Springfield, Mo.; vice chancellor, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau; assistant director, Sacred Heart House of Studies, Springfield; director, St. Mary's and Resurrection Cemeteries; chaplain, Daughters of Isabella, Springfield; and promotor justitiae, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

He also served as administrator, St. Joseph the Worker, Ozark, Mo.; diocesan director of Cursillo; chaplain, Ecumenical Center (SMS), Springfield; chancellor, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau; vicar for religious; vice officialis; diocesan consultor; pastor, Sacred Heart, Dexter; vicar general; and moderator for Region IX.

Survivors include a brother, Ralph Gosche of Cape Girardeau, and a sister, Isabell Kappler of Sikeston, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Cecelia Bisher.

Friends may call at St. Mary's Cathedral from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with parish prayers at 7, followed immediately by a rosary led by Knights of Columbus Council 1111.

Friends may also call at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, with parish prayers at 7, followed immediately by Knights of Columbus rosary.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guardian Angel Church. Burial will be in Guardian Angel Church Cemetery at Oran, with graveside rites provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to St. Francis DeSales Society or Priests Mutual Benefit Society.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.