John Thomas (Tom) McGovern, 83, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away quietly at home with his family at his side on Sunday, December 13, 2015. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of his life will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at Lemke Funeral Homes South Chapel. A family service will follow on Friday at the Rock Island National Cemetery with Military Honors. Lemke Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tom was born July 4, 1932 to William Farrell and Marie (Karaway) McGovern in Clinton, Iowa. He graduated in 1950 from St. Mary's High School and attended Ambrose College and enlisted in the U. S. Navy (1951-1954); he served as a Corpsman and Master-at-arms in Bremerton, WA. He was employed as a Conductor/Switchman with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad for 37 years and a proud member of The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainman (UTU).
Tom enjoyed gardening, cooking, woodworking and woodcarving. He spent many enjoyable hours out on the Mississippi river. He has been a card-carrying member of the Die-Hard Cub Fan Club since 1965! He was also a loyal fan of the Bears and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Tom married Lennie Lou Brown (Great Bend, KS) on November 12, 1965 and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
He is survived by his wife Lennie, four children: Teresa McCoy of Cle Elum, WA, Michael McGovern of Pasco, WA, Vanessa (Steven) Majkut, Upton, MA and Andrew (Jacy) McGovern of Clinton, 5 grandchildren: Wes McCoy, Thomas (Renee) Majkut, Alison Majkut, Andrew Majkut and Gavin McGovern, one great grandson: Oliver Majkut, a sister Margaret (Clarence) Henry of Clinton, two sisters in law, Mary Jo McGovern of Rockville, MD and Debbie Brown of Kansas City, MO and his devoted Yorkie, Molly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father in law, a brother Terrance McGovern a sister Mary Lawlor and brothers in law Daniel Lawlor and Gary Brown. He will be greatly missed by his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Hospice.

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