Jerry Cavanaugh, age 78, of New Prague, died Friday, February 26, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. Jerry was born November 29, 1937 in St. Patrick, MN to Jerome A. and Theresa P. (Talley) Cavanaugh. Jerry attended Scott Co. District School near St. Patrick and graduated from New Prague High School, where he enjoyed playing many sports. He served in the U.S. Navy as an E5 Second Class Petty Officer (ADR2), where he was a flight-line airplane engine mechanic. After honorable discharge, he married Mary A. Siemon on May 12, 1962, at St. John’s Church in Union Hill, MN. The couple made their home in New Prague where Jerry was the owner/operator of Cavanauagh Concrete for over 40 years.
In his early years, his love of the outdoors and sports saw him continuing to play softball, baseball, and basketball. He was a proud member of the St. Patrick Baseball team. In the winter, he loved snowmobiling and was a member of the New Prague SnowDrifters. Jerry always said his passion and his hobby was his work, meeting people, and talking with the guys on the job. In his later years having coffee with his friends was special to him. He loved biking and walking the beach when he was in Florida. What Jerry enjoyed the most was spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
Jerry wanted to make sure that a special thank you went out to all of the businesses that supported his business throughout the years and all of the employees that worked for him for many years.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary of New Prague; children Jackie (Tom) Ohnsorg of Belle Plaine, Jean (Allen) Pumper of New Prague, Jodie (Rob) Puncochar of St. Patrick, Jayne (Dan) Cram of New Prague, Jim Cavanaugh (& Mora Cervenka) of New Prague; sisters, Theresa Jolly of Oklahoma City, OK, Lula Cavanaugh of Bloomington; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick; sisters, Lorraine & Rosemary Cavanaugh, Katherine Svoboda.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at 11:00 AM at Chruch of St. Patrick of Cedar Lake with Father Michael Miller officiating. Visitation will take place Monday from 4 – 8 PM and Tuesday morning from 7:30 – 10:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague. Military rites will be held at church after Mass. Lunch will follow in the church social hall.
