Frederick Eugene “Gene” Govaia, 78, of Hillsboro, died on Friday, April 17, 2020, at 5:15 p.m. at Hillsboro Area Hospital.
Cremation rites were accorded. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service with military rites, as well as burial, will be conducted at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro. Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Govaia was born June 24, 1941, in Hillsboro, to Joel Eugene and Mary L. (Hensen) Govaia. He married Linda Kershaw on Sept. 9, 1961, in Hillsboro, and she survives.
He graduated from Hillsboro High School with the class of 1959, and served as an MP in the U.S. Army. During his career, Mr. Govaia served as a coal miner in Coffeen and Carlinville. Upon retirement, he worked at Casey’s General Store on School Street in Hillsboro.
He participated in Rendezvous, where he was known as Grizz. He loved to watch his grandkids play sports and loved to hunt, fish and be outdoors. He resided in Hillsboro his entire life.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Govaia is survived by his two daughters, Tammy (husband Randy) Greenwood and Ranae Snider, both of Hillsboro; son, Monte (wife Robin) Govaia of Litchfield; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister, Jo Anne (husband Jay) Major of Pawnee.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Stacey Snider; and sister, Marsha Grabow.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.basspattondeanfh.com.
