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Official Obituary of

John Virgil Kavanaugh

August 30, 1939 ~ April 13, 2020 (age 80) 80 Years Old

John Kavanaugh Obituary

John Virgil Kavanaugh, aged 80, of Grand Rapids, MI went home to be with the lord on April 13, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents John Kavanaugh and Evelyn and Arthur Jordan of Bay City, MI; sister-in-law Karen Jordan of Bay City, MI.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Emily Kavanaugh; his four daughters, Diane (Edward) Vetort, Dawn (James) Daly, Debby (Craig) LaMotte, Elizabeth (Steve) Schelling; 6 grandchildren that were his pride and joy; brother William (Kay) Jordan of Bay City, MI and Gerianne (Roger) Schmidt of Auburn, MI; and a niece and two nephews.

John (Jack) was a kind, caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. A great storyteller with an infectious charismatic soul. His passion for life was demonstrated by his lasting enduring friendships. A lifetime bowler, he loved socializing with former coworkers and his circle of friends. Retired after 40 years from Steelcase, he was actively involved in the bowling community. Bowling was in his blood and he racked up impressive scores on the lanes for decades and even into his later years he continued bowling.

A poem that both John and his mother lived by:

“I am sore wounded but not slain

I will lay me down and bleed a while

And then rise up to fight again”

-John Dryden

A memorial will be planned for a later date.

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