Rosalie (Schmidt) Goebel

Rosalie (Schmidt) Goebel, 88, passed away on July 14, 2026. She was born on November 21, 1937, in Wichita, Kansas, to Wilfred Leo and Ica Jane (Bitler) Schmidt. She was the second of five children.

Rosalie attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School before graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1955. She continued her education at Wichita State University from 1955 to 1957.

On September 14, 1957, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Goebel, and together they built a life in west Wichita. Following their marriage, Rosalie devoted herself to raising her family while generously giving her time to her church and the Wichita community through countless volunteer roles.

Rosalie is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Bob; her daughter, Gretchen (Mike) Sharp; grandchildren Robert Sharp and Mathilda (Kyle) Mathias; and her first great-granddaughter, expected in November 2026. She is also survived by her siblings Betty June Peters, Bill (Marilyn) Schmidt, and Karen (Tony) Gomez, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred Leo and Ica Jane Schmidt; her sister, Sue Roberson; parents-in-law Earl and Tillie Goebel; sisters-in-law Sister Betty Jean Goebel and Mary Ann Cravens; brothers-in-law Bill Goebel, Jim Peters, and Jim Roberson; nieces Paula Peters and Sarah McGreevy; and nephew David Oberle.

Family was always at the center of Rosalie’s life. Beginning in 1975, she faithfully hosted the annual Schmidt family Thanksgiving celebration, creating a tradition that continues today. Family gatherings were filled with photographs taken in birth order, lively conversations, knitting projects, music around the piano, and sing-alongs that created treasured memories for generations.

Rosalie’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church, she faithfully served as organist for the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass beginning shortly after accepting Bob’s marriage proposal in 1957. Even vacations were planned around her commitment to the parish. Over nearly seven decades, she provided music for countless Sunday Masses, weddings, funerals, and special liturgies. She was also active in the Christ the King Altar Society, taught Great Books in the parish school during the 1960s, and later taught vocal music to grade school students.

Beyond her church family, Rosalie generously served the Wichita community through the American Red Cross. She drove cancer patients to appointments, coordinated volunteers, volunteered in the organization’s main office, and served on the Board of Directors for six years. She believed deeply in serving others and quietly dedicated countless hours to helping those in need.

Rosalie developed a love for golf during the 1980s and 1990s, playing in tournaments throughout Wichita and across Kansas. When arthritis made playing difficult, she remained active in the sport by volunteering in tournament rules and course rating for many years.

She was an accomplished seamstress and knitter who lovingly created clothing for herself, golf pants for Bob, clothes for Gretchen throughout her childhood, maternity clothes, wedding attire, and countless handmade gifts and keepsakes for family and friends. Her creativity and craftsmanship were expressions of the love she poured into those around her.

Rosalie and Bob shared a love of travel, visiting nearly all fifty states and many countries around the world. Among their favorite adventures were Rotary service trips to Panama, where they worked alongside young people to help improve local schools while building lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

Rosalie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, servant’s heart, quiet generosity, and steadfast devotion to her family. Whether she was seated at the organ bench, gathered around the Thanksgiving table, behind a sewing machine, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, she found her greatest joy in serving others. Her kindness, humility, and love will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Rosary will be 7:00 pm, Tuesday, July 28, 2026; Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, both at Christ the King Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Christ the King Catholic Church Endowment Fund, 4411 West Maple Street, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

Services are in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.