John Goven, M.D. (B.S. Med. ’55) died December 15, 2007 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND.  John Goven was born January 29, 1929 on the family farm near Turtle Lake, ND, the son of Edward and Olive (Reber) Goven. He graduated from Turtle Lake High School, and attended Carroll College in Helena, MT. He received his B.S. Med. degree at the UND medical school, Grand Forks, ND, and his M.D. in 1955 at Bowman Gray Medical School, Winston Salem, NC.

He was united in marriage to Carol Simonson. He did his internship in Flint, MI, and practiced family medicine in Valley City, ND, from 1958 until retiring in 1994, and was honored as the North Dakota Physician of the Year. Carol passed away on April 5, 2005.

He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and many community organizations. Dr. Goven was a retired colonel with the Army National Guard and served in the Army and the Army Reserves. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his military service.

Dr. Goven, the Valley City State University team physician, was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He was active in the North Dakota Medical Association and the UND Medical Center Advisory Council and admissions committee, and served on the Mercy Hospital Board. He taught many emergency medical technician courses.

Dr. Goven is survived by his son, Tom, attorney and municipal court judge, and daughter, Gigi Goven, M.D. ’90,  both of Valley City. He is also survived by two brothers, five sisters and a special sister-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother and sister.