J. Gardner Govan

September 24, 1953 - January 4, 2024

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Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee

9000 West Capitol Drive

Milwaukee, WI 53222

Sunday 1/28, 11:00 am - 12:45 pm

Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee

9000 West Capitol Drive

Milwaukee, WI 53222

Sunday 1/28, 1:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

J. Gardner Govan

“Gardner”

Passed away on January 4, 2024 at age 70.

Survived by children Kyle and Lindsey Govan and sister Tina Govan. Predeceased by brothers David and Andy Govan, and parents Ann and Jim Govan, of Chattanooga, TN.

Gardner received his preparatory school education at Phillips Academy and Swarthmore High School and his undergraduate education at Harvard University and UNC-Chapel Hill. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School magna cum laude where he was selected to the Order of the Coif.

He worked as a lawyer at the firm of Godfrey & Kahn for over 30 years and was the chair of their Estate Planning Group. He leaves a deep legacy with the firm. His intellectual curiosity and dedication to the law was unmatched, colleagues said.

He was an immensely talented guitarist, toured with the popular band Secret Service during his early years and recorded an album with them. A lifelong animal lover, he was the President of Presidents Council of the Wisconsin Humane Society and served on their Board. Sharp witted, hardworking, intellectually curious, conscientious and kind, he was a loyal friend to many and will be dearly missed.

Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Captiol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM. Memorial Service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee

9000 West Capitol Drive

Milwaukee, WI 53222

Map

Sunday 1/28, 11:00 am - 12:45 pm

Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee

9000 West Capitol Drive

Milwaukee, WI 53222

Map

Sunday 1/28, 1:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

J. Gardner Govan “Gardner” Passed away on January 4, 2024 at age 70. Survived by children Kyle and Lindsey Govan and sister Tina Govan. Predeceased by brothers David and Andy Govan, and parents Ann and Jim Govan, of Chattanooga, TN. Gardner received his preparatory school education at Phillips Academy and Swarthmore High School and hisContinue Reading

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I am very sorry for your loss. Wishing his family much love and strength. My family has been very grateful to Gardner over the years for all of his invaluable help. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed.

My encounters with Gardner were focused on his interest in animals and conservation and his willingness to help. He was kind, curious, and generous with his advice. His memory will live on through the many people and other creatures who were touched by his personal and professional efforts. My condolences to his family and friends.

Would see Gardner in probate court, but since he was in the business of avoiding the 2nd floor of the courthouse, not too often. When he did, he was always courteous, funny and smart as a whip. Rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends.