Jerry Govern

For more than 60 years McGovern's Club patrons were welcomed by a Jerry McGovern Smile, handshake, "Thank you", and "Welcome to McGoos" by the Sun Prairie icon.

Gerald "Jerry" Allen McGovern was born to Allen and Lucilla McGovern April 21, 1923 in Portland, Wi. He attended grammar school in Hubbleton and high school in Waterloo where he was a two-way guard on the football team.

After graduation Jerry attended Airmen's Trade School in Milwaukee where he studied blue printing and aircraft fuel tank quality control. Jerry then headed to San Diego, Ca. to work for Consolidated Aircraft (now General Dynamics) as an aircraft quality control specialist until drafted into the Navy in March, 1943.

During his three year Navy career, Jerry served as a storekeeper on the U.S.S. Nevada, along with his friend and ship legal officer Warren Knowles, who later became Governor of Wisconsin. During his Naval tenure Jerry's crew took part in two phases of the Normandy Invasion- Omaha Beach and Utah. He also witnessed the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, and participated in the invasion of Okinawa.

Jerry was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to family tavern business in Portland. In 1947 the Sun Prairie McGovern's Club was born and managed by Jerry until his wife joined him in 1950. A Motel was added to the grounds in 1952, and a liquor store in 1960. In the mid 60's food was added to the tavern's offerings. To this day, McGovern's is renowned for their Friday Fish Fry.

On May 13th, 1950 Jerry married Jean Tjugum who joined Jerry in managing the family business. A son, Thomas Allen, was born November 25th, 1953.

In addition to being a highly successful entrepreneur, Jerry was a devoted member of Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, a decorated veteran, a politician, and a world traveler. Jerry was a life member of Sun Prairie American Legion, VFW Post 9362 and the Navy League.

Above all, Jerry was devoted to his God, his wife, and his family and friends.
Despite their ever growing business demands, Jerry and Jean found time to travel the World, sometimes alone and sometimes with their close friends, Butch and Ramona Maly. From ports in the Atlantic to the Pacific including England, France, Ireland, Norway, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and many Caribbean voyages.

In later years, Jerry developed a taste for local politics and successfully ran for Sun Prairie City Council in 1998. After three re-election victories, Jerry retired in 2006 to spend more time with family. During his tenure, Jerry was most proud of his role on the new library's fund raising committee, where he was instrumental in garnering a large donation. He also served on the city's Transportation Committee until recent years.

He is survived by his wife, Jean McGovern; a son, Tom (Mary Lou) McGovern; grandchildren, Mariah (Joshua) Quinn, Megan (Dale Shultz) McGovern and Connor McGovern; a sister-in-law, Joyce McGovern; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, John and Wayne, a sister, Jeanette Fairbanks and sister-in-law, Marjorie McGovern.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 221 Columbus St., Sun Prairie on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt presiding. Burial will follow at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Finally, Jerry would like to tell folks how blessed he was in marriage, business, and life. He was always upbeat and could make anyone's day brighter with his cordiality and general concern for the plights of others.

Gone from our midst in body but not in spirit and memories, Jerry serves a new role-perhaps as an assistant to St. Peter at the pearly gates. Can't you see it now, Jerry McGovern with those bright eyes, that smile and laugh, that handshake bellowing out, "Hey there, Welcome to Heaven-McGoo here."
Bless you Jerry!!

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054