Rodney "Rod" Goessman

Rodney “Rod” Goessman, of Chesterfield, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the age of 74. Rod was born December 19, 1945 in McLeansboro, IL. He is the son of the late George “Harvey” Goessman and the late Margery “Lois” Goessman. Rod was a graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL where he received a B.A. in History followed by work toward a masters degree, also in history. He was raised in Benton, IL, graduating high school from Benton Consolidated High School. Rod was the cherished father of Mark Goessman and Myrna (Goessman) Bizer and beloved grandfather to Matthew and Luke Bizer. He was united in marriage for over thirty years to Karen (Knight) Rocchio. Rod made a career working for the federal government, first with the U.S. Marshalls, then the Civil Service Commission and as a Trainer for the Office of Personnel Management. In the late 1980s he ventured into private consulting work, specializing in military-civilian personnel training at U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard bases around the country. He loved his home and family. He was an avid cook; sang tenor in the Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ (Missouri) choir for many years and also served as the congregation’s moderator; managed his son’s Little League baseball team and served in leadership for the Creve Coeur Athletic Association; read mysteries and the daily newspaper; and was a passionate follower of Cardinals baseball, St. Louis Blues hockey, and men’s and women’s golf. With baseball, he particularly enjoyed knowing which umpires were calling the game. He loved sitting on the back porch of his home, listening to Jack Buck call a Cardinals game on the radio. He liked country music and 1950’s rock n’ roll, and was known for his ability to tell a good story and a funny joke. He was a loyal son, particularly interrupting his work to care for his mother in the closing years of her life. Survivors include his son Mark, his daughter Myrna and son-in-law Paul, grandsons Matthew and Luke, and several nieces and nephews from the Knight family. A Celebration of Life for Rod Goessman will be held at a later date once Covid-19 Restrictions have been lifted. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Rodney "Rod" Goessman

December 19, 1945 - May 6, 2020