DES MOINES - Dr. Earl Rose, the medical examiner in Dallas when President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, has died at age 85.

Dr. Rose’s wife, Marilyn, said he died Tuesday at Oaknoll retirement community in Iowa City.

She said he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and then developed dementia.

The Des Moines Register first reported Dr. Rose’s death.

Kennedy was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital after he was shot on Nov. 22, 1963. Dr. Rose insisted that an autopsy be performed and stood in a doorway to block Kennedy’s aides as they removed his coffin.

The Roses moved from Dallas to Iowa City in 1968, where he was a forensic pathologist and University of Iowa professor.

A memorial service will be held June 11 in Iowa City.