John Paul McGivern, 49, formerly of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in hospice care in Scottsdale, Ariz.

John was born Nov. 5, 1961, in Davenport, Iowa, to Margaret (Kearney) and Gerald McGivern. A 1980 graduate of Assumption High School in Davenport, he later attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. John served three years in the U.S. Navy, including 30 months at sea, and also served in the Naval Reserves. He worked as a chef in restaurants in Boston and Minneapolis, and also worked at Farmstead and at the Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca.

John was a loving father, a wonderful brother and son, a proud Navy vet and a talented chef.

He is survived by his son, Mark; daughter, Carson; former wife, Kristen, of Albert Lea; older sisters: Sheila Engel and Patricia (Mark) Stender; and older brothers: Tom, Willie (Christ), Frank (Molly), Joe (Jodi), Jay (Lisa) and Gene (Barb); and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents: a daughter, Emma Jane; and brothers-in-law: Gene Engel and Jack Hogan.

A memorial service will be held in July in Davenport, Iowa.