Paul Govednik

Paul Joseph Govednik of Braidwood, IL, age 67, passed away suddenly in his home on January 8, 2025. Paul was born in Joliet, IL on January 11, 1957 to his parents William and Diane (nee Salopek) Govednik. 

Paul was a proud union Ironworker and member of Local #444 for over thirty years. He and his father, together, built his home in Braidwood twenty years ago and he was a member of the Braidwood Recreation club. He regularly socialized locally with his crew at The Stumble Inn where he had a lot of close friends. In his younger years he was involved with the Joliet pigeon club and raced pigeons with his dad and brothers. He loved a glass of wine and “smokies” sausage, and even hand crafted his own home-made wine as this was a family tradition. Paul was a great cook of many things and always tended to a large garden. He often would spend his free time watching sports and golfing. Paul was well known to be a jokester and very much loved the Three Stooges. (Paul could perform a great Curly impression and had an extensive Stooges memorabilia collection). Above all, Paul was a very devoted and loving father and always spoke highly of his daughter. He really cherished and most looked forward to spending joyful time with his daughter and two granddaughters. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents William and Diane, as well as his longtime companion, Debbie Jones.

He is survived by his loving daughter Gail Govednik, his two cherished granddaughters Kyla and Raelyn Harden, his brother Bill (Laurie) Govednik, his sister Kathleen (the late Brent) Gunier, his brother Mark (Lynda) Govednik, and his dear uncle Steve Salopek. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless close friends and loved ones also survive.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. Following the visitation, cremation rites will be accorded. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL at 10:00 am. Following Mass, we will travel in procession to Paul’s final resting place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 1500 N Raynor Ave. Joliet, IL where he will be inurned next to his parents.