Thomas Joseph McGovern
Wednesday, February 23, 1938
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Age:
77 years old
Visitation
Date: Wednesday February 10, 2016
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Thursday February 11, 2016
Time: 10:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Thursday February 11, 2016
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Wednesday, February 23, 1938
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Age:
77 years old
Wednesday, February 23, 1938
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Age:
77 years old
Thomas Joseph McGovern
Thomas J. McGovern, 77, of Rochester MN, died Saturday February 6th, 2016 at home surrounded by family, after an eighteen month battle with Esophageal Cancer.
Tom was born Feb. 23, 1938 in Rochester, MN to Kenneth and Doris (McClintock) McGovern. Living in Rochester his entire life, he attended Rochester Catholic Schools and after graduating from Lourdes High School in 1956 he joined the US Navy and served 4 years in Newport, RI aboard the USS Wagner. On May 17, 1957 he married Eldoris Butterfass at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester, MN. After returning from the service, he became a union painter and worked in construction and then in the St Mary’s Hospital Paint Shop. After 40 years of painting he retired which gave him more time to do the things he loved. He was constantly busy before and after retirement . He and the family enjoyed camping, fishing, motorcycling, golfing, traveling, working on his artistic endeavors and taking care of his flowers and birds. His wife and family were his greatest joy, especially his three grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Eldoris, three children; Renee McGovern, Dawn McGovern, and Joel (Sally) McGovern and 3 grandchildren; Riley, Taya and Reid McGovern all in Rochester, MN. Also surviving is a sister Mary (John) Shanks of Rochester, MN and his sister-in-law Sandy McGovern.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers William and Michael McGovern.
The Funeral service for Tom will be held at 11:00AM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN on Thursday February 11, 2016. Visitation will be on Wednesday February 10, 2016 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.
Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Thomas Joseph McGovern has received the following condolences.
mcGovern family, I started my painting career at Erickson Painting and Tom was a journeyman painter at that time. Tom was always willing to explain and demonstrate various techniques and procedures of the painting trade while I was an apprentice painter. I worked side by side with Tom for a number of years. Tom was a very skilled craftsman and a dedicated worker. I later became a painting contractor and Tom became my most trusted emplyee. My most significant memory of Tom is his amasing easy going attitude and welcoming smile. Thankyou Tom , It was a pleasure to know you. Preston Perry
Dear Renee and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May the memories of THomas in happier times give you strength and courage through this difficult transition.
Cris
Eldoris & family -- My deepest sympathy on the passing of Tom! I am one of the 10 Luedtke girl cousins. I remember Tom with his black hair and always had a smile when he greeted you. One of those kind of smiles that looked like he was ready to pull a fast one on you!! Renee do you remember babysitting for my two kids, Amy and Phil, back in the mid to late 70's when we lived in Rochester. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs to you all!!!
We love you Joel and wish you and your family strength in this hard time.
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I have been a long time friend of Dawn and know how much she loved and enjoyed time with her dad. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Prayers for comfort at this difficult time,
Mary & Randy
Dear McGovern Family,
As a longtime friend of Renee's I always enjoyed meeting her parents, Tom and Eldoris, at events when they came to watch Renee work her lovely shelties. It was such a pleasure to see a family that was so connected in that way. I am so sorry for your loss. Tom had a difficult time medically and I know it was hard for him and for his supporters. I am glad he passed peacefully. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. Denise
My sincere sympathy to your family on the loss of Tom. I am a cousin who was born the same year as Tom and I always enjoyed visits from Aunt Doris and Uncle Mac and the kids. Childhood memories. I haven't seen him for many years. Prayers to you.
Our heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Our family has many fond memories of you and Tom!
Debbie (Kruger) & Ric Berg
Tom was a wonderful man , so kind and could always make you smile and laugh. Was loved and a great friend to the Andrist family.
So very sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all during this difficult time.