Richard F. McGovern passed away peacefully from this world to the next on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at Cherrywood Pointe, Savage, MN.
Preceded in death by wife, Shirley, Richard was blessed to find love for a second time with wife, Jane; granddaughter Brittany Jorgenson; parents, Frank and Alma; siblings, Jerome (Bernie) McGovern, George McGovern, Mary Catherine McGovern and Laura (Bill) Stuart. He is survived by children, Lynn (Donald) Jorgenson, Patricia (Doug) Ritchie, Jean (Kevin) Loerzel, Tom (Myrtle) McGovern; grandchildren, Severin Loerzel, Jarrod Loerzel, Amy Loerzel, Connor Loerzel, Logan Loerzel, Mark Jorgenson, Cheryl Jorgenson, Thomas Chandler; sister, Virginia Steinmetz; bonus children, Ann Bukoskey, Mary (Tom) Price, Joan (Bill) Bukoskey-Koch, Bill (Wendy) Bukoskey; other relatives and friends.
In 1862, the McGovern family settled their roots in Shakopee, MN. On March 8, 1930, Richard Francis was born to the parents of John “Frank” and Alma (Mersch) McGovern. The fifth of six children, his roots remained in Shakopee. Growing up post-depression years, Richard’s family never had much. But that did not stop him from still having toys, even if it meant making them out of tin cans or other scrap material laying around. Richard was a proud graduate of the Shakopee High School. After graduation, Richard enlisted into the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict, as a tank leader.
Returning from the service, Richard married Shirley Skoby on August 5, 1952 at the Church of St. Mary, Shakopee, MN. They were blessed with four children, Lynn, Patricia, Jean and Tom. After 48 years of marriage Shirley passed away on April 27, 2001. After losing her, Richard found Emily Jane (Hunt) Bukoskey and life was once again fulfilled. They were married on August 24, 2002, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Minneapolis, MN. Richard welcomed Jane’s children of Ann, Mary, Joan, Bill and all of her grandchildren. He once again found great sadness in losing his second wife of almost 9 years on August 1, 2011.
For 23 years, Richard was a mail carrier. Through rain, sleet or snow, he enjoyed delivering the mail and especially the daily interaction with people on his route. Richard would always say he walked 6.5 miles a day, 6 days a week, for 23 years. That is over 46,000 miles walked. Now that is an accomplishment.
Richard loved to camp throughout his entire life. He built the first trailer that was enjoyed by Shirley and his children. Over the years, other trailers were purchased and many memories were created with family exploring and seeing the sights around the country. Richard was quite a handyman. He built 5 additions on to his own home. But his greatest accomplishment was taking a simple piece of wood and creating model trucks and unique lamps.
In 2010, Richard was diagnosed with Dementia. He will always be remembered for being a loving and gentle husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. He had this wonderful soul and kind spirit.
The visitation will be on Sunday, November 15 from 4-7 pm and on Monday, November 16 from 9-9:30 am all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, November 16 at 10 am, at the Parish of St. Joachim and Anne (St. Mary) 535 Lewis Street, Shakopee, MN. Father Erik Lundgren will preside. Pall bearers will be Kevin Loerzel, Lloyd Loerzel, Severin Loerzel, Jarrod Loerzel, Connor Loerzel, Logan Loerzel, and honorary pall bearer Tom McGovern. Richard will be laid to rest next to his wife, Shirley at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery.
Full military honors will be provided by the Shakopee Veteran Honor Guard.
