Denise Schorp

Denise Ann Schorp, 71, Springfield, MO passed away at 11:23 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023 in The Manor at Elfindale. She was born July 14, 1951 to Milton and Doris (Schmidt) Schorp in St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in 1972 and moved to Springfield to start her professional career in Nursing. She worked in Labor & Delivery and taught OB and prenatal classes. While working, she continued her education and earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees, and taught at St. John’s School of Nursing. She was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

At age 26, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had surgery to remove the tumor, then radiation, and continued on with her life and work. She had a long, wonderful and interesting career, attending and presenting at many Nursing conferences and seminars whenever she could, always learning new concepts and ideas in Obstetrics. She taught her fellow nurses and staff complex practices like fetal monitor interpretation with ease and grace and compassion, and made so many lifelong friends through nursing. Former patients would frequently stop her on the street or in the grocery store to thank her for the care and sense of humor with which she’d helped deliver their babies—sometimes after those babies were already grown. She was brilliant, hilarious, and independent, and was never afraid to try anything new. She bravely travelled by herself all over the world to countries like Russia, China, and Australia, that, at the time were not typical tourist destinations. Nothing fazed her!

She also travelled extensively with Mom and Dad, whether it was on a cruise, or to Alaska, Las Vegas, or the horse races. When they’d say they wanted to go somewhere, she would always say “Let’s Go!” She was a caring and fun-loving Aunt to her six nieces and nephews who adored her. She was always available to babysit or help out when needed, day or night, and as the kids grew older she took them on several trips with her. She was so generous with her time and her resources, and nothing was ever too much trouble. She was the very best big sister anyone could ask for and was always up for an adventurous trip or a dinner out. And, her love for her family extended well into the next generation, to her many great nieces and great nephews whose visits brought her joy even toward the end of her life.

She was preceded in death by her Mom and Dad, and her niece, Meagan Annette Murdaugh. She is survived by two sisters, Dianne (Steve) Murdaugh and Lynn (Paul) Wunderlich; nieces and nephews, Andy (Portland Lloyd) Murdaugh, Heidi (Joel) Champ, Holly (Tim) Ferrell, Ted (Katy) Wunderlich, and Emily (Prem Pillai) Wunderlich; great nieces and nephews, Maya, Maggie, Isabelle, Isaiah, Charlotte, Evelyn, Sam, Thomas, Cian, Ronan, Juliet, and Cormac.

Funeral service will be at 11 am Saturday June 24, 2023 at Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home with Pastor Phillip Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery Republic, Missouri. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Denise’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.