Br. Michael J. McGovern, O.P. died peacefully on November 15, 2017 in Chicago at the age of 77. Br. McGovern was a Dominican Friar of the Province of St. Albert the Great. He was born on April 28, 1940 in Minneapolis, MN to David and Marie (Nielsen) McGovern. He attended St. Albert Grammar School in Minneapolis and St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul graduating in 1950. In January 1960, Br. McGovern entered the Dominican Order and professed his first vows on July 11, 1961. As a cooperator brother, his first assignment was at St. Peter Martyr Priory in Winona, MN and continued with ministry to the brothers in our priories. Later he earned a BA degree in Pastoral Ministry from DePaul University in Chicago and worked as a pastoral minister for several years. Besides his Dominican Community, Br. McGovern is survived by his sister, Nancy Kopriva of Iowa and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. Services will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in River Forest. IL on Monday, November 20th. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00AM preceded by Sung Morning Prayer at 9:00AM. Memorial Donations to the Dominican Friars, 1910 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608-2904 are greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home 773-736-3833 or visit Br. McGovern's memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael McGovern

11 Entries

Leslie Henderson

November 15, 2019

Two years already today. How I miss & love you so. You are near to my heart & spirit always. See ya later.

Joe Engeldinger

February 22, 2018

I to wished I could have spent another moment with him. He was always a lot of fun to be around. Always had a smile for you. And what a laugh he had. I can hear it as I think of him. Would go the extra mile and do whatever he could for you. You have touched so many lives and will be so missed. I love you Brother. Say hi to Mom and Dad for me.

Paul Engeldinger

February 22, 2018

I just learned of brother Michael's passing. I remember visiting him in the hospital in 1992 in Minneapolis. He was a good, good man. Rest in peace, Brother Michael. Paul Engeldinger, of the Engeldinger Clan at Holy Rosary Church, Minneapolis.

John Engeldinger

February 22, 2018

Brother Thaddeus (what he was called) in 1970 stood up for me and acted on it during one of the lowest times in my life when my father died. A fellow student was bullying me and he took it upon himself to see that it stopped. He was sometimes tough on us boys, but in the right way. He taught us respect for ourselves and to others. I ran into him many times over the years since then. How I wish I could have had just a few more minutes with him to let him know how we all felt about him.

Barbara Myers

December 12, 2017

He was a wonderful man. I worked with him. He also was my grandson's godfather. He will be greatly missed. RIP Brother Michael.

Susan Hedlund

December 9, 2017

My Dearest Uncle Michael, I was such a lucky girl to have you in my life. Oh the stories and memories I hold so dearly! You touched many, many lives in such a positive and loving manner, we were all lucky! Love you always, Susie (one of your many "favorites")

Beth Johnson

December 9, 2017

What a privilege we have had to be blessed by God with a friend like Brother Michael Thaddeus McGovern, O.P. A special, joyful memorial celebration will be held on April 28th, 20018 in Minneapolis for Brother Michael. The place and time will be announced closer to the date. April 28th is Brother's birthday we think it will be a good date to celebrate knowing him and having him be in our lives. Please circle the date, will be wonderful to see his family and friends get together to honor his life. I have been so blessed to be able to call Brother Michael my friend for fifty years. I was always impressed how approachable he was. He was always there when you needed a kind or encouraging word, a smile or one of his famous hugs ! Brother's sense of spirituality was special, he had a way to spread the word of God without sounding like he was preaching. I once made him a birthday card and paraphrased a saying I once heard, "Surely the angels danced on the day you were born, so happy to send such a special soul to earth to spread God's love.". I like to think when the angels welcomed Michael back home to heaven, they said " job well done Michael" Love and prayers to you my friend+
Beth Johnson

December 2, 2017

Randall Goodwin

November 19, 2017

Brother Thaddeus Michael an unbelievable gracious man what a sad day this is for me he helped me in sooooooo many ways, I am the man I am today because of what a joyous man he was. We had so many good times at St. Anthony from altar boys to CYO you brought such joy and hope in many young peoples lives . Thank you for believing in us. RIP Brother Thaddeus McGovern May god bless your heart and soul and your CYO Families through the Archdioceses where you worked, Randall Goodwin altar boy and CYO member St. Anthony of Padua parish New Orleans Louisiana

Joey Harrison

November 19, 2017

Brother T, I have missed you since you left our wonderful parish, and will miss you even more until we meet again in the afterlife. I can't express enough my condolences to the family and friends you have left behind with your passing. We from St. Anthony of Padua in Louisiana are heart-broken at the news of your passing. We have been reminiscing on the St Anthony CYO page since we've heard the news. Such wonderful memories of your time here. We love you so very much, and will eventually see you again soon. You were one of a kind and nobody was ever able to replace you. The parish was never the same since you left. Again, my sympathies to his family and friends. He was a very special person to so many of us.

Sister LouAnne Willette

November 18, 2017

Mike and I were classmates at St Albert and we both entered the Dominicans at the same time. Our paths crossed several times over the years. He was always a lot of fun. My sympathies to his family and to the Central Province.
May he be with the living God.
LouAnne Wllette, OP

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