It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of J. Gardner Govan passing away the morning of Thursday, January 4. Gardner leaves a deep and long-lasting legacy with the firm and his intellectual curiosity and dedication to the law was unmatched. Gardner is survived by his two children, Kyle and Lindsey.
His professional legacy will be continued through his supportive estate planning team.
Gathering at Krause Funeral Home in 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.
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Remembering Gardner
Gardner Govan is the former chair of Godfrey & Kahn’s Estate Planning Group in the Milwaukee office, where his practice concentrated in estate planning, business succession planning, taxation and probate administration.
Gardner was a frequent speaker to many professional groups, including the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bar Association, the Waukesha Estate Planning Council, the Estate Counselors Forum, Mid-Winter Estate Planning Clinic, the Milwaukee Estate Planning Council and the CLEW Tax Workshops.
Gardner received his preparatory school education at Phillips Academy and Swarthmore High School and received his undergraduate education at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at 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.
For additional assistance, please contact a member of the Estates & Trusts practice.
Education
Juris Doctor, University of Wisconsin Law School, 1988, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Activities
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) - Fellow
Mid-Winter Estate Planning Clinic - Member
State Bar of Wisconsin - Board of Directors Chair; Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section; Trust Code Committee
Wisconsin Humane Society - President of Presidents Council
Honors
Named a 2018 Leader in the Law by the Wisconsin Law Journal
Recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer (2005 - 2017)
Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Trusts and Estates, 2006 - present)
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
Recognized by Chambers USA (High Net Worth: Private Wealth Law, 2021)
Admitted To Practice
WisconsinProfessional Associations
American Bar Association, Milwaukee Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin