Search by Name

BORN

1953

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Moss Family Funeral Home - Batavia

209 South Batavia Avenue

Batavia, Illinois

John McGowan Obituary

John F. McGowan, 63, of Batavia passed away July 17, 2017, at Rockford Memorial Hospital in Rockford, IL, from injuries in an automobile accident which occurred on July 9, 2017. John was born August 19, 1953 the son of John and Joan (Farrell) McGowan. John was proud to serve in the United States Air Force and has been most recently employed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. John is survived by his sister Patricia (Daniel) Pedraza, of Lanark, IL; a nephew, Daniel Pedraza; four nieces, Jennifer (Anthony) Stover, Catherine (Steve) Price, Elizabeth Pedraza, and Mary Pedraza; his grandnephew Michael Pedraza; and his longtime companion Melanie Downing, her children, Stacie and Stephanie and grandchildren, Lailie and Carter. John is preceded in death by his birth mother Joan as well as his father and step-mother who had raised John and Virginia (Kirk) McGowan. Visitation will be held 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at Moss Family Funeral Home 209 South Batavia Ave. Batavia, IL. Following visitation, the funeral will proceed to Holy Cross Catholic Church 2300 Main Street Batavia, IL to celebrate Mass at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Aurora. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22202 or www.diabetes.org. For additional information, please Contact Moss Family Funeral Home at (630) 879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com

Published by Beacon News on Jul. 20, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for John McGowan

Not sure what to say?





Mike Kinley

July 25, 2017

Stacie Elsworth

July 25, 2017

Stacie Elsworth

July 25, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

KELLEY

July 24, 2017

Patricia McGowan-Pedraza

July 22, 2017

Patricia McGowan-Pedraza

July 22, 2017

Patricia McGowan-Pedraza

July 22, 2017

These last 12 years with John has taught me that there are people in the world that can love you no matter what. His love was unconditional and my life will never be the same. He was always my rock, the person I could talk to about anything. He was so patient and understanding. He was my protector and always there when I needed him. He would always describe me to other people as, "She is the one that feeds me and therefore I must obey." That was John and his great sense of humor. I would feel a sense of calmness in his presence. His laughter was so contagious and would always tell me to not be so serious and just relax. He will forever be on my mind and always in my heart.

Love you forever,
Melanie

Melanie Downing

Significant_other

July 22, 2017

John came into my life right before my daughter was born. His knowledge about life from his experiences amaze me. I love hearing his stories, a new one each time, and I learned something new about him I never knew before. He really loved the idea of being a father firgure for me, and a grandfather for my daughter. He always knew what to say to give you reassurance, if you needed guidance, to put a smile on your face, and to make you aware that he was there every step of the way. He always had faith in me, no matter what I put my mind too! These last few days have been hard, but I pull through remembering the good times we shared. He will continue to live through everyone's memories! John would always say "be good!" You will forever be in my heart!

We love you so very much,
Stephanie and Miss L (Lailie)

Stephanie Downing

Daughter

July 21, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the McGowan family during this time of grief. I have many fond memories of John; a man with a great sense of humor and a caring heart. He was a great co-worker & always found time to bring us treats and those amazing flowers when he would come down to the Chicago District - as he would say, just because. He always made me smile and I will never forget you John. Heaven has another angel. Rest in Peace my friend!

Maria Brambila

July 21, 2017

John was a kind man. He took pride in his work and was always helpful to those who worked with him. I am glad to have known him. He is missed by many.

Carsten Western

July 21, 2017

John was a very nice man. My condolences go out to the family and friends during this difficult time.

Michelle Walker

July 20, 2017

John was the most patient and kind man that I ever knew. He was our voice of reasoning, our grounding force and the unwavering glue that held my Mom and our family together. I am forever grateful for his wisdom and guidance that were always taught with grace, forgiveness and love. John truly loved unconditionally, and I will miss him, always.
Be good, John.
Love,
Stacie, Joe and Carter

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains."

July 20, 2017

John always had a positive attitude, solid handshake, and a great mustache! Our love to Pat and Danny!

Sincerely,
Danna and Lee

Leon Pedraza

July 20, 2017

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in John McGowan's name

Memorial Events
for John McGowan

Jul

26

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Moss Family Funeral Home - Batavia

209 South Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510

Jul

26

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

2300 Main Street, Batavia, IL

Jul

26

Interment

Mt. Olivet Cemetery

Aurora, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Moss Family Funeral Home - Batavia

209 South Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John McGowan's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more