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Joseph McGovern Obituary

Joseph W. "Joe" McGovern, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 28th, 2010 at 8:55 PM at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was the 5th of 6 children born to Dennis and Veronica Mc Govern who preceded him in death. He was born February 16, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and lived at Oaklyn, New Jersey and was always proud to be an American. Joe retired after 20 years from the United States Air Force. Then he worked for almost 20 years as head-maintenance-man at Air Academy High School, Colorado Springs. Joe loved nature. He enjoyed going hunting, fishing and camping. His greatest enjoyment was traveling. He loved to take his family on trips and talk about history and geography. Joe traveled to 48 states and 6 countries. He was a member of the American Legion and The Retired Enlisted Club "REA" of Colorado Springs. He was also a member of the 601 TC Squadron and looked forward to he reunion, they where held every year in a different state. He went the first time to Tucson, Arizona 11 years ago and went to his last reunion September 25, 2010 through October 5. 2010 to Tucson, Arizona. Joe was a Vietnam Veteran. Joe had resided in Colorado Springs since June 1974. He is survived by his wife of over 53 years Margareta E. Mc Govern "Opfermann"; son, William J.D. Mc Govern; grand-daughters, Nicole and Daniell Mc Govern; daughter, Diana L. Ballinger "Mc Govern", son in law Mark A. Ballinger and grandson Brandon A. Ballinger, Colorado Springs, Colorado. His sister, Ann Margret Gilbert, Berlin New Jersey; brother Dennis Mc Govern, Collingswood, New Jersey and sister, Veronica, New Jersey and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Veronica Mc Govern, brothers, John and James Mc Govern, all of whom he loved dearly. Celebration of Life, November 2, 2010 at 10 AM Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. You are invited to a reception gathering at The Retired Enlisted Club, 834 Emory Circle, Colorado Springs.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Oct. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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October 24, 2011

Marge, you have been on my mind and in my heart as I think of Joe and that a year has almost passed since he left us. He was such a great guy and you were an incredible wife to him and he made it known how much he loved you. Please know I think of both of you often.

Blessing,
Rena

Sharon & David Little

November 8, 2010

Dear Aunt Marge and family,

We are so sadden to hear about the passing of Uncle Joe. We know your hearts are heavy at this time but know that we are thinking of you and praying that all the fond loving memories of him will bring joy & some peace to your loss. We will call soon. We really enjoyed the video of all the family pictures. He sure did enjoy life and really loved his family. God's blessings to you all. Love, Sharon & David xo

November 7, 2010

Unser allerherzlichstes Beileid Dir Marga mit Familie von uns allen hier in München. Wir mochten Joe gerne weil er zu den einfachen unverbildeten Leuten gehörte er war ein liebenswerter Mensch. Der Verlust trifft euch sicherlich schwer. Und wir sind in Gedanken bei Euch und erinnern uns an vergangene Zeiten in Waldperlach. Als es uns noch nicht sehr gut ging versorgte Joe uns mit Eiscrem und Chicken. Hermann erzählt viel von Joe als er mit ihm (damals in Amerika bei Euch) mit dem Auto unterwegs war und er viel über die Tiere und die Natur wußte. Nun grüßen wir Euch und wünschen Euch dass ihr gut über diese schwere Zeit hinwegkommt.

Liebe Grüße Gudrun und Hermann.

November 4, 2010

To Margaret and family: I worked with Joe at Air Academy High School and had the utmost respect for how well he did his job. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He spoke often of you, Margaret, with great pride and love. I recall that he brought a wonderful cake to the hospital when I was very ill; another indication of a gentle, caring man behind the exterior that may have indicated otherwise. He will be missed and remembered by many.

May God bless you and keep you in His care.

Rena Dickinson

Summit

November 2, 2010

Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the Mcgovern family in there time of sorrow.

November 1, 2010

To Margaret and family: I retired from D-20 about 13 years ago, the last four at the Central Office. However, the first 16 yrs Joe and I were at AAHS at the same time and I remember him very well and fondly. I know Joe was very conscientious about his job and went over and beyond many times to make sure everything was secure at AAHS. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend his services but wish to extend my sincere condolences to you. May your many memories of 54 years provide smiles and peace.

Blessings from Gayle Rappold

Joey Wallaker

November 1, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Greg Pierson

November 1, 2010

Joe was always smiling and upbeat. Everyday he would tell me that the school is like a ship. He wanted the building to pass inspection and be top running order. Joe was a good man and a friend.

Greg Pierson
AAHS Principal (1991 - 1998)

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