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