John "Jack" Patrick Cavanaugh

John “Jack” Patrick Cavanaugh (fondly known as “Cavy), 81, beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, godfather, and friend passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Survived by devoted brother Jim and his wife Mary, as well as many loving cousins and friends.  Preceded in death by father John Cavanaugh, mother Lucile(Calder)Hutera and stepfather Edward Hutera.

Born July 26, 1942 to Lucile and John Cavanaugh.  After Jack’s father died in a hunting accident in 1949 when Jack and Jim were 7 and 10, Lucile  married Ed in 1951 where they raised both boys in north Minneapolis.  Jack attended St. Bridget grade school, graduated from DeLaSalle High School, class of 1960, and from St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota.  He received his Master’s degree from Mankato State. He was also a Vietnam Veteran serving in the Army for two years in Okinawa, Japan and was a Social Studies and Special Education teacher at Oak Grove Middle School and Kennedy High School in Bloomington for 33 1/2 years where his teaching trademark was wearing a bow tie and suit coat everyday to class.  Simultaneously he worked for U.S. Customs Border Patrol and Agriculture for 27 years at MSP airport.

Jack coached hockey, softball, and then girls’ golf for 20 years and last year, at the age of 80, he completed his 8th year of coaching girls’ badminton.  His passion and care for students was still evident after almost 50 years of coaching! Jack had a natural magnetic draw to those he met and he could strike up a conversation with anyone— and frequently did!  His upbeat personality, interest in others, zest for life, and sense of humor was infectious.  He enjoyed travels to Europe, was an avid reader, kept up with the latest news and current events, and could always beat you at Jeopardy! Jack met teacher friends often for coffee and trivia, made a point to get out and see friends for breakfast, went for daily walks and attended mass every week.  He loved spending time at his cabin in Brainerd, surrounded by the chaos and love of family and friends.  Jack was loved dearly and lived a full life which brightened the lives of many.

There will be a great hole in the hearts of those who knew Jack and he will be dearly missed and loved forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am April 20,2024, at the Church of the Ascension in Minneapolis preceded by visitation at 10:00 am and lunch to follow. There will be a private interment at a later date for family at Fort Snelling.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, DeLaSalle High School, Church of the Ascension, or Bloomington Kennedy High School.