Bernard E. Kavanagh

Kavanagh, Bernard E. Bernie Age 81. Passed away peacefully at home on Fri. Jan. 11, 2008. Beloved husband of Alvina Szedziewski (nee Mogilka). Loving father of Michael (Shirley), Nancy (Russ) Greenham, Thomas (Mary), John (Sue) and William (Ellen) Kavanagh. Dear stepfather of Paul Szedziewski, Gary (Judy) Szedziewski and Mary Jo Willis. Proud grandfather of Katie, Jenny, Molly, Melissa, Micaela, Sean, Kara, Dan, Jack, Julia, Emilee, Matt, Kelly, Jessie, Dan, Dave, Bobbi Jo, Bridget and Teri Rae. Loving great-grandfather of Anthony, Abby, Bella, Cameron, Wesley, Luke and Joey. Also survived by his sisters, Mary Bergles, Ursula (Mel) Swendrowski, Florence Groth, numerous sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by his wife, Donna Kavanagh (nee Foss); his parents, Edward and Ethel Kavanagh; brothers, Jim, Gerald, John, Paul and Mort. Bernard proudly served as a paratrooper in the US Army at the end of WW II, spending a year in Japan. After his military service, Bernard worked, studied and started his family in Madison. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1954. Bernie began his career as a high school teacher and coach. Bernie joined Johnson Control Battery Division in the early 1960s, and retired in 1986. Bernie was an active member of St. Alexanders Parish since 1960, in which he served on the Parish Council; was a leader for Cub and Boy Scouts Pack 266; former President to both St. Alexander Home and School and Holy Name Society; and shared his beautiful voice with the Choir until recent years. The family would like to thank Dr. Brenda Pierce and the staff at Oncology Alliance, the VNA Home Hospice team and all the loving friends and neighbors who helped Bernie through his journey to eternal life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wed. Jan. 16, 10:30 AM at ST. ALEXANDER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1568 W. HOLT AVE. Visitation AT THE CHURCH on Wed. from 9 AM until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to the St. Vincent DePaul Society or St. Alexander Catholic Church. Our lives were all enriched by this honest, generous, selfless gentleman.