Michael J. “Mike” McGovern

Michael J. “Mike” McGovern, age 70, of East Dubuque, IL, completed his earthly journey on March 15, 2025, at Mercy Hospital while surrounded by his loving family.  Per Mike’s wishes, there will be no public services held.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

Mike was born on April 21, 1954, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Frederick “Freddie” and Virginia “Ginger” (Schwendinger) McGovern.  He lived more on the quiet side in his personal life, but a few hours socializing with friends and family was never off of his list to make the day complete.  Mike spent his working career with J & R Supply Co, he enjoyed spending time with his co-workers and working with his customers as their inside sales representative. Mike enjoyed his circle of friends and his easy-going nature was appreciated by all who knew him.

Those who knew and loved Mike were quite aware that he was a man whose heart was a big as his love for the game of golf, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears..  Mike discovered tangible peace and happiness on the fairway, where each swing mirrored his approach to life; steady, thoughtful, and always with a sense of humor.  The only thing that surpassed Mike’s love for his Chicago teams and the Hawkeyes was his love and appreciation for his wife, Deb, and his precious granddaughters, Evelyn and Aileen “Ailee”.  The girls taught “Meek” all about the Disney side of life, Bluey, anything Barbie and he taught them about Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, Jim Hardy in Wells Fargo, singing the theme to Cheyenne and Go Cubs Go for the win. They were all best friends and he was very proud of everything they shared. The girls are certain Meek is in heaven because he was so kind. We know that our beloved “Meek” will continue to watch over them from above.  After a life well lived, we find comfort in knowing that he has joined his dad, Freddie and his good friend Joe in Heaven; perhaps sitting in their easy chairs watching the Cubbies, maybe even an Iowa game or just talking about old times.  A place where there are no more scorecards or game endings, but only eternal peace.

Those left to cherish the memory of Mike include,

his loving companion of 28 years,

Debra “Deb” Redmon, East Dubuque, IL;

his children,

Abby (Joseph) Ray, Dubuque, IA,

and Wesley (Miranda) Redmon, Dubuque, IA;

his adored granddaughters,

Evelyn and Aileen “Ailee” Ray;

his mother,

Virginia McGovern, Kansas City, MO;

his siblings,

Deb (Svend) Jakobsen, Aledo, IL,

Kathy (Rick) Hoffmann, Dubuque, IA,

Brian McGovern, Scottsdale, AZ,

Amy (Russ) Smith, Kansas City, MO,

Becky (Bruce) Smith, Overland Park, KS,

Dan (Lisa) McGovern, Kansas City, MO,

and Beth (Matt) Panther, Overland Park, KS;

his mother-in-law,

Colleen Mohr, East Dubuque, IL;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,

DeEtta (Tom) Jackoniski, East Dubuque, IL,

Dianne (Tom) Berning, East Dubuque, IL,

Denny (Cathy) Mohr, Kieler, WI,

Dawn (Slim) Stelpflug, East Dubuque, IL,

Donita (Ronnie) Shireman, East Dubuque, IL,

David Mohr, East Dubuque, IL,

Douglas Mohr, Dubuque, IA,

and Darlene “Dolly” (Jamie) Kuhle, Venice, FL;

his special friends,

Pat Betts, Mark Miller, Mike Breen, and golfing buddies, Marv and Dean;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents, Joe (Teresa) McGovern and Alphonse (Catherine) Schwendinger; his father-in-law, Wes Mohr; his brother-in-law, Darrel Mohr; his friend, Joe Erschen; and his favorite canine companion, Bogey.

In lieu of flowers, a Michael J. McGovern memorial fund has been established.

Mike’s family would like to thank Dr. Katherine Parker, along with the nurses and staff at Mercy and Hawkeye Care for all of their professional and compassionate care.  They would also like to thank all of Mike’s friends who have been at his side, not only through the joys of life, but also through the pains of sadness and for Deb’s co-workers at Kendall Hunt Pub Co. Your love, support and friendship are appreciated more than words could ever accurately depict and we will never forget each act of kindness you so generously shared.  May the Lord bless each and every one of you simply for being you. 

Online condolences may be shared with Mike’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com