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Goeke has had lifelong love for music
Mary Jane Goeke has lived in Keokuk for 46 years.
She was born 14 miles west of Kirksville, Mo. Her father-was a rural mail carrier and part time farmer. He was is in the U.S. Army during World War I. Goeke's parents were married in 1920.
Goeke is the youngest of three daughters.
”We moved to Kirksville in 1936 where I attended school and Kirksville State Teachers College (now Truman State),” Goeke said.
What food are you most famous for? My turkey dressing.
What kind of music do you enjoy? All kinds except “hard rock.”
What are your hobbies? I love to read, do any activity with music and play bridge. For several years, I played tennis.
Do you have a favorite pet (present or past)? We had a dear family pet, a dog called “Ami” (means friend) and several cats. The favorite was “Tom,” a huge “orange” and white, loving cat. He hugged us!
Where would you go if you won a trip anywhere in the world and why? Sweden, because I have never been to any of the Scandinavian countries, and because we have a dear daughter-in-law from Sweden.
What has been life's most rewarding experience for you? Marrying Raymond, becoming a mother and grandmother, being able to teach music to young people and to play the organ and sing at church. “When you sing, you play twice,” I was told.
How many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren do you have? We have five children, two daughters and three sons. We also have 11 grandchildren, including five grandsons and six granddaughters. Since four of them are married (or soon to be) I am really looking forward to great-grandchildren.
What book are you currently reading? I have been so busy that my reading has really slowed down, but I just started a new book, “A Wedding in December,” by Anita Shreve. It caught my eye because we're having a wedding in December (our third grandson to marry).
What is your least favorite food? Liver.
What is your favorite food? I really enjoy a variety of foods, especially chicken, seafood, lean pork and beef (but I eat very little of the latter two), vegetables and fruits, whole grain bread (a limited amount) and desserts are the greatest favorite (but I try to limit them).
What makes a perfect summer day and how would you spend it if you could, anyway you wanted? A mild, sunny day (low humidity) with a gentle breeze, sitting on our patio with my husband, watching the river and enjoying the blooming flowers, which he plants for me.
Have a favorite sport to do or watch? Tennis was favorite, but I haven't been able to play it for more than seven years. Baseball and basketball are favorites, as is tennis. Unfortunately, I can only watch now.
Favorite childhood, teen and adult book? I read so many books as a child (probably 10 or 15 per week). No favorites come to mind. As a teen, I was more occupied with school studies and music. As an adult, after my children were raised and I could find time to read “books without pictures,” I've enjoyed John Grisham, Jan Karon, Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher.
Most memorable moment? Several come to mind: Our wedding day, the births of our five healthy children and 11 beautiful grandchildren and so many happy family times. For myself, having the privilege of playing for the National Music Educators Conference at the United Presbyterian Church was a very memorable event last June 1, 2007.
Most famous person(s) you've met? I met several of the Marsalis family in New Orleans, (the father and Wynton Marsalis, trumpeter), President Carter and presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
What do you do for fun? Play bridge with dear “old” friends. Go out to eat with my husband of 57 years and visit our children and grandchildren. My husband and I really enjoy traveling.
What do you like most about yourself? I am dependable and honest. If I say I'll do something, I will do it.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A wife, a mother and a teacher of music. I have been greatly blessed in fulfilling these desires.
What do you collect? Angels and figures of grand pianos.
Where would you live if you had a choice? Right here in Keokuk. The people are very good. It has been a fine place to raise children, make true friends and be a part of a lovely community.
What is your favorite TV show and actor/actress? I don't enjoy much of TV. I prefer good movies and have had several favorite actors and actresses. However, I do enjoy Public Television. They have much that is worthwhile to watch.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would they be? Jesus Christ, my father and my mother.
What was your favorite subject in school? I especially liked English and history, but my all-time favorite was any music class or group.
What was your first job? When I was 11 years old I played the piano for a dance school in Kirksville, Mo., on Saturdays and made the astounding amount of 35 cents an hour and the honor of playing for the recital. My second job was as church organist (at age 13) for which I received $2.50 per Sunday.
What was/is your favorite style/piece of clothing? Comfortable clothes are now my favorite. Slack, sweaters, etc. and comfortable shoes are the most important. When younger, I loved shoes, especially “fancy” high heels.
Best word(s) of advice you've received? Keep your word and always be honest.
Favorite movie of all time? So many come to mind as I've always loved movies. As a teenager, “Gone With The Wind” was my favorite. Later, I found the “The Sound of Music” is a favorite.
What is your favorite ethnic food? Italian.
How did you meet your spouse (if married)? We met in high school in Kirksville. I knew two of his brothers before I met him in high school chorus. He asked me to play the piano for him (as he was to sing on a program) and he took me to a high school dance after the singing event. We've been singing and dancing together since 1947.
Person you admire most and why? My husband, Ray, because he is such a decent man and a kind, loving husband and father.
If you had a motto, what would it be? Do unto others as you want like them to do unto you. (The old “Golden Rule”).
What is your most memorable and embarrassing food experience? When my husband and I were dating, I labored over making him a fresh peach pie, as he loved pie, and as I was placing it in the hot oven, I touched the hot door and dropped the pie on the floor, turning it upside down.
Line a spring-form pan with graham cracker crust.
To prepare crust, crush 18 graham crackers (1 1/2 cups crumbs). Add 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix well. Press firmly in greased pan.
To prepare cheese cake use three large cream cheeses (not light) softened. Add 3/4 cup of sugar - cream cheese and sugar together and add four eggs (one at a time). Pour into lined pan. Bake (on cookie sheet) at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Whip one pint sour cream with 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar. Pour over the top and return to oven for 10 minutes. Chill for two hours.
Top with raspberry sauce or other topping. For raspberry sauce use 1 or 2 packages of raspberries and syrup with 1/4 cup sugar and two to three tablespoons of Grand Marnier or orange flavored liquor. Puree in blender.
She was born 14 miles west of Kirksville, Mo. Her father-was a rural mail carrier and part time farmer. He was is in the U.S. Army during World War I. Goeke's parents were married in 1920.
Goeke is the youngest of three daughters.
”We moved to Kirksville in 1936 where I attended school and Kirksville State Teachers College (now Truman State),” Goeke said.
What food are you most famous for? My turkey dressing.
What kind of music do you enjoy? All kinds except “hard rock.”
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Do you have a favorite pet (present or past)? We had a dear family pet, a dog called “Ami” (means friend) and several cats. The favorite was “Tom,” a huge “orange” and white, loving cat. He hugged us!
Where would you go if you won a trip anywhere in the world and why? Sweden, because I have never been to any of the Scandinavian countries, and because we have a dear daughter-in-law from Sweden.
What has been life's most rewarding experience for you? Marrying Raymond, becoming a mother and grandmother, being able to teach music to young people and to play the organ and sing at church. “When you sing, you play twice,” I was told.
How many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren do you have? We have five children, two daughters and three sons. We also have 11 grandchildren, including five grandsons and six granddaughters. Since four of them are married (or soon to be) I am really looking forward to great-grandchildren.
What book are you currently reading? I have been so busy that my reading has really slowed down, but I just started a new book, “A Wedding in December,” by Anita Shreve. It caught my eye because we're having a wedding in December (our third grandson to marry).
What is your least favorite food? Liver.
What is your favorite food? I really enjoy a variety of foods, especially chicken, seafood, lean pork and beef (but I eat very little of the latter two), vegetables and fruits, whole grain bread (a limited amount) and desserts are the greatest favorite (but I try to limit them).
What makes a perfect summer day and how would you spend it if you could, anyway you wanted? A mild, sunny day (low humidity) with a gentle breeze, sitting on our patio with my husband, watching the river and enjoying the blooming flowers, which he plants for me.
Have a favorite sport to do or watch? Tennis was favorite, but I haven't been able to play it for more than seven years. Baseball and basketball are favorites, as is tennis. Unfortunately, I can only watch now.
Favorite childhood, teen and adult book? I read so many books as a child (probably 10 or 15 per week). No favorites come to mind. As a teen, I was more occupied with school studies and music. As an adult, after my children were raised and I could find time to read “books without pictures,” I've enjoyed John Grisham, Jan Karon, Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher.
Most memorable moment? Several come to mind: Our wedding day, the births of our five healthy children and 11 beautiful grandchildren and so many happy family times. For myself, having the privilege of playing for the National Music Educators Conference at the United Presbyterian Church was a very memorable event last June 1, 2007.
Most famous person(s) you've met? I met several of the Marsalis family in New Orleans, (the father and Wynton Marsalis, trumpeter), President Carter and presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
What do you do for fun? Play bridge with dear “old” friends. Go out to eat with my husband of 57 years and visit our children and grandchildren. My husband and I really enjoy traveling.
What do you like most about yourself? I am dependable and honest. If I say I'll do something, I will do it.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A wife, a mother and a teacher of music. I have been greatly blessed in fulfilling these desires.
What do you collect? Angels and figures of grand pianos.
Where would you live if you had a choice? Right here in Keokuk. The people are very good. It has been a fine place to raise children, make true friends and be a part of a lovely community.
What is your favorite TV show and actor/actress? I don't enjoy much of TV. I prefer good movies and have had several favorite actors and actresses. However, I do enjoy Public Television. They have much that is worthwhile to watch.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would they be? Jesus Christ, my father and my mother.
What was your favorite subject in school? I especially liked English and history, but my all-time favorite was any music class or group.
What was your first job? When I was 11 years old I played the piano for a dance school in Kirksville, Mo., on Saturdays and made the astounding amount of 35 cents an hour and the honor of playing for the recital. My second job was as church organist (at age 13) for which I received $2.50 per Sunday.
What was/is your favorite style/piece of clothing? Comfortable clothes are now my favorite. Slack, sweaters, etc. and comfortable shoes are the most important. When younger, I loved shoes, especially “fancy” high heels.
Best word(s) of advice you've received? Keep your word and always be honest.
Favorite movie of all time? So many come to mind as I've always loved movies. As a teenager, “Gone With The Wind” was my favorite. Later, I found the “The Sound of Music” is a favorite.
What is your favorite ethnic food? Italian.
How did you meet your spouse (if married)? We met in high school in Kirksville. I knew two of his brothers before I met him in high school chorus. He asked me to play the piano for him (as he was to sing on a program) and he took me to a high school dance after the singing event. We've been singing and dancing together since 1947.
Person you admire most and why? My husband, Ray, because he is such a decent man and a kind, loving husband and father.
If you had a motto, what would it be? Do unto others as you want like them to do unto you. (The old “Golden Rule”).
What is your most memorable and embarrassing food experience? When my husband and I were dating, I labored over making him a fresh peach pie, as he loved pie, and as I was placing it in the hot oven, I touched the hot door and dropped the pie on the floor, turning it upside down.
Line a spring-form pan with graham cracker crust.
To prepare crust, crush 18 graham crackers (1 1/2 cups crumbs). Add 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix well. Press firmly in greased pan.
To prepare cheese cake use three large cream cheeses (not light) softened. Add 3/4 cup of sugar - cream cheese and sugar together and add four eggs (one at a time). Pour into lined pan. Bake (on cookie sheet) at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Whip one pint sour cream with 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar. Pour over the top and return to oven for 10 minutes. Chill for two hours.
Top with raspberry sauce or other topping. For raspberry sauce use 1 or 2 packages of raspberries and syrup with 1/4 cup sugar and two to three tablespoons of Grand Marnier or orange flavored liquor. Puree in blender.
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