Joseph Cavanaugh

Compassionate, loving, dedicated, hardworking – these are just a few of many words that describe Joseph O. Cavanaugh. A very modest man, proud of all his family, yet filled with a wonderful sense of humor. A skilled outdoorsman, well traveled and an excellent cook, Joseph Cavanaugh was most certainly a “man of all seasons.”

In 1926, the United States was in the midst of many exciting changes. On the radio, Americans were listening to the first singing commercial for Wheaties, and in New York, the first annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place. However, the most special event in 1926 for Glen and Osea (Meier) Cavanaugh was the birth of their fifth child, Joseph, on December 12th. Growing up as the second youngest of six children, life was not always easy, and the Depression Era family often found themselves in the wake of hardships. Raised in the Kalamazoo area around Long Lake and later in Washington Square, Joseph attended Kalamazoo Central High School. Soon Joseph joined many other proud young American men by leaving school in his junior year to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corp., answering the call the protect his nation during World War II. He served bravely overseas in China from 1945 to 1947. Because of his patriotic service, Joseph will be buried with full military honors at Mount Ever-Rest.

Although the service took Joseph miles from home, a certain young woman stayed on his mind the entire time he was gone. He met Betty Stuut at the Kalamazoo County Fair in 1945, before shipping out with the Marines. During his time away, he and Betty faithfully wrote to each other through which a beautiful relationship was fostered. Upon his discharge from the military, Joseph returned to Kalamazoo where he resided with his aunt and cousins, Katherine, John and George. Joseph also pursued his relationship with Betty and it wasn’t long before their love was evident to all around them. In 1948, on the day known for love – Valentine’s Day, Joseph surprised Betty with a box of chocolates that cleverly disguised an engagement ring inside. It took Betty 2 chocolates before she noticed something unusual about the candies. Imagine her surprise when she discovered the engagement ring - a symbol of Joseph’s endearing love for her. On August 14, 1948, Joseph and Betty began a new life together when they said “I do” and became husband and wife. They celebrated their lives together for 55 wonderful years.

Joseph went to work for Rheem-Ruud Heating and Air Conditioning as a general foreman. Because of a job transfer in 1971, he and Betty moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas. After 40 years of dedicated service, Joseph retired in September 1994, and they happily returned to Scotts, Michigan. Once back home in Michigan, they became members of Lakeland Reformed Church.

Joseph was a simple man who enjoyed the splendors of nature. Michigan’s wide variety of freshwater inland lakes provided him with a large arena for one of his favorite pastimes – fishing. Though he enjoyed all forms of fishing, one of his favorites was ice fishing. Since the weather in Arkansas did not permit ice fishing, Joseph truly missed the sport and was happy to return to Michigan and enjoy this winter activity once again. Joseph was also an avid hunter and especially liked to hunt Michigan game, mainly geese and deer. Another favorite leisure activity of Joseph’s was golfing; he loved the game of golf almost as much as he loved life. And if he wasn’t outdoors playing himself, he was usually watching his favorite players, Freddy Couples, Phil Michelson and Paul Azinger, mastering the game on television. Joseph also liked playing cards and when he and Betty were first married, they often got together with her siblings to play. The men would take their manly game of poker to one room, while the woman enjoyed each other’s company while playing a much quieter game in another room. During their time in Arkansas, Joseph was a part of a couple different Pinochle groups.

Aside from being an avid outdoorsman, Joseph was also a wonderful chef and enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking, grilling steaks and baking. Some of his most memorable recipes were his apple pies made from scratch as well as rhubarb pies and custards. His nieces and nephews were more traditional in their taste and said his “mean grilled cheese” was the best.

Humor was a big part of Joseph’s life. He was always ready with a joke or a big smile, warmly teasing his nieces and nephews. He would josh around with his nephews by robustly shaking and squeezing their hands testing them to see who was stronger. There were always giggles and laughter in the air when Uncle Joseph was around. They also enjoyed a good game of Phase 10 together.

Joseph’s interests were many. He was a collector of baseball hats and had quite a display, loved to watch old time western movies, especially John Wayne films, and was a huge fan of Elvis Presley. So much so that a couple of “the King’s” songs will be played at his funeral. After retiring, he and Betty enjoyed traveling and took several cruises to the Caribbean, spent a relaxing weekend on Freeport Island and made several trips to Las Vegas, often times accompanied by some nieces and nephews. The best times Joseph had were when he was able to spend time with his beloved Betty and family.

Joseph Cavanaugh died on Saturday, March 13, 2004. His parents, Glen and Osea Cavanaugh, his brothers, preceded him in death: Glen, Mark, and Bud Cavanaugh; and his sister, Betty Frisbie. Left to cherish his memories is his wife, Betty Cavanaugh; his brother, Gale Cavanaugh of North Carolina; special cousins, Katherine, John and George Meier; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with Joe’s family on Tuesday, March 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes – Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren – Portage Chapel, 5975 Lovers Lane, where a Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Please visit Joe’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his complete life story, leave a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to West Michigan Cancer Center or Lakeland Reformed Church.

Joseph’s laughter, his friendly smile and his love for his dear ones will continue to encourage them even as they mourn his passing. He leaves them with an example of generosity and joy that they in turn can share with others.