The funeral service for Mary C. McGovern, of Henderson, Nev., formerly of Albert Lea, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at East Freeborn Lutheran Church, rural Albert Lea. The Rev. David Hernes will officiate. Interment will be in East Freeborn Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church.

Mary Carol McGovern passed away Monday, April 3, 2006, at Harbor Care Hospice in Las Vegas, Nev. She was 68 years old.

Mary was born in Lerdal, Minn., on March 11, 1938, to Rose and Keno Knutson Sr. She was baptized and confirmed a member of East Freeborn Lutheran Church. She attended schools in Lerdal and Albert Lea, Minn.

Mary was united in marriage to Edward Robbins, in April of 1955 for 13 years. Through this union, six children were born.

Mary had the distinction of being the youngest telephone operator in the United States, at the age of 9, with her brother Keno Jr. (better known as Bunny, to close relatives) as they helped their parents run the switchboard for the Lerdal Telephone Company, in their home. She also worked at McDonalds Restaurant for 14 years.

Mary married Paul McGovern Jr. on Dec. 23, 1988. They lived in Illinois, until they retired to Henderson, Nev., eight years ago. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, making crafts, reading, shopping for antiques, and taking care of her new found pet, Kitty. Known for her witty sense of humor and love for life.

Mary is survived by her husband Paul McGovern Jr.; mother Rose (Peterson) Knutson; children Terry Robbins, Austin, Texas, Dawn (Andrew) Rozinka, Albert Lea, Jeff Robbins, Albert Lea, Kent (Wendi) Robbins, Waseca, and Rosemary (Joe) Brady of Rockton, Ill.; stepchildren: Tami (Randy) Krpata, Rochester, James (Francie) McGovern, Rochester, Steven McGovern, Burnsville, and Staci (Mark) Chase, Rochester; brother Keno (Donna) Knutson, Albert Lea; uncle Fred Peterson, Albert Lea; nephew Kevin (Jolene Louwagie) Knutson; Eden Prairie; brother-in-law Frank (Marilyn) McGovern, Henderson, Nev.; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and 10 step grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her father Keno Knutson Sr.; infant brother Keith Knutson; daughter Susan Robbins; and many aunts and uncles.

She was a dedicated and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials given to the donor’s choice.