Donald J. Goven

Donald Goven was a man of great strength, integrity, and depth of character whose life reflects what it means to live each day on purpose while always making the best of every situation. He selflessly answered the call to serve his country in order to preserve the freedoms we still enjoy today. Those who knew Don knew that he was married to the love of his life for over 50 years with whom he created the family who became his priceless treasure. A man with a kind heart, Don was always concerned about others and making an impact in the world around him. He worked hard whether in his career or in his personal life, positively impacting the lives of countless others within his reach who will be forever grateful for having known such a remarkable man. The twenties were a great time to be an American as advancements in science and technology fueled the explosion of automobiles, radios, and movies within the fabric of our culture. It was within this vibrant decade that Joseph and Martina (Luursema) Goven welcomed the birth of their son, Donald Joseph, on June 13, 1924. Born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan, Donald joined his older sister Louise in his family who was five years his senior. His father worked at Brunswick and raised chickens for their eggs and goats for their milk while his mother, an immigrant from the Netherlands, was a homemaker. When Don was three years old his family moved from Muskegon Heights to a home on Henry Street in Norton Shores. This home was quite rustic with no electricity, a hand pump for water, and a wood cook stove. Don attended Churchill Elementary School, which at the time had only two teachers, the Smith sisters, who taught first through fourth grades and fifth through eighth grades. He went on to Muskegon Heights Jr. and Sr. High Schools, graduating in 1943. Not long after, Don received his draft notice, on June 30th of that same year. When given the choice between the Army and the Navy, he chose the Army because they offered two weeks off before reporting for duty. Don went through his basic training in Texas where it was beastly hot only to report for duty a short time later in cold, snowy New York. He was put on a ship headed across the Atlantic, their route zigzagging in order to avoid German submarines. Once in Scotland, Don went to London by train where he awaited the invasion for six weeks, experiencing some of the London bombing. He was part of the 104th Medical Battalion, attached to the 29th Infantry Division, and was briefed on the invasion into France receiving top secret information. Due to bad weather, they were turned back on the first day of advancement, but they remained on the boat and faced Omaha Beach on the second day. Once on shore it was Dons duty to show ambulance drivers a safe route to take when picking up casualties. A P-47 strafing a German counterattack saved their unit as they took up their position. They relied on both tins of food and cheese and crackers until they could return to base for better food. As Don and his unit advanced into Europe, they witnessed German defenses crumbling. Deep into France, Don received his first leave in months to travel into the Netherlands where he could see his mothers homeland. On March 8, 1945, Don was on a ship bound for New York City, eventually working his way back to Camp Atterbury, Indiana, a major discharge center. He finally made it home by Christmas that year and among his citations, Don was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery during the D-Day Invasion. Thinking the odds were slim of getting sent into the face of war again, Don joined the Naval Reserves on August 14, 1949. His gamble proved to be wrong, however, as he served during the Korean Conflict until he was discharged on March 27, 1954. As a civilian once again, Donald used the GI Bill to complete his education at Western Michigan University, eventually earning a masters degree in industrial arts. It was also as a student at Western that Don met Phoebe Walz. Although they went their separate ways for a time, they reconnected at faculty meetings when they both accepted positions at Muskegon schools. After dating for a time, Don and Phoebe were married on July 28, 1956. They were an adventurous couple who honeymooned across the Upper Peninsula and over into Wisconsin. They also enjoyed trips to Washington, D.C., California, New York, and Florida just to name a few. Their family of two later grew to include their son Donald and their daughter Nora. He supported his family through his work with the Muskegon and Ottawa Area Intermediate School Districts and also as a substitute teacher at the Muskegon Correctional Facility. Don officially retired in 1981. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed a very active lifestyle. He co-founded the Muskegon Area Planned Parenthood. Don loved visiting his children including his daughter Nora in California for Christmas each year from 1982 until Phoebes health no longer allowed. When Noras son was two years old, they all made a trip to Hawaii. Don also kept busy throughout his life working on the farm property where he had spent his childhood growing raspberries, cutting wood, and building a barn for the horses. He loved exercising, usually walking, but he also enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan when the weather allowed and splitting wood until he was 80 years old. One of the things that made Don so extraordinary was his kind and tender heart. Later in life, he served as his wifes caregiver without complaint for many years when she became wheelchair bound. Don never complained about anything so on the rare occasion that he had a complaint, one always took his concern seriously. Don was especially kind-hearted with animals as his family always had cats and dogs while the children were growing up. When Nora had horses, he was the one who ended up taking care of them the most, again without complaint. Donald Goven was a tender and loving family man, teacher, and community activist. He was never one to get worked up over any situation and always could see the positive side of things. Don valiantly served his country during a time of need without hesitation or complaint. He leaves behind lessons in strength, perseverance, and unconditional love that will never be forgotten by those who held him dear. Don will be greatly missed. Donald J. Goven died Friday, March 12, 2010. Dons family includes his son, Donald (Karyn) of Ypsilanti; daughter, Nora (Will) Buck of Nipomo, CA; 5 grandchildren; Jonah, Natasha (Paul) Van Slambrouk, Chareen, Samantha, and Austin; plus several Nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. June 26, 2010, at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment at Norton Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a contribution to Planned Parenthood of Western Michigan.