Patrick H. Cavanagh

Patrick H. Cavanagh, 89, of Delmar passed away on December 4, 2017 at West Wing Place in DeWitt from cancer complications.

His funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 8, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Delmar. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 3:00-7:00 p.m.at Lahey and Dawson Funeral Home in Maquoketa. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Delmar.

Patrick Henry was born on November 3, 1928 in Petersville, Iowa to Frank and Mary (Crowley) Cavanagh. He graduated and played basketball from Delmar High School in 1946 and attended Reisch American School of Auctioneering in 1960.

On October 29, 1977 he married the love of his life Charlene Hughes at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Delmar, she preceded him in death on November 29, 2013.

Pat grew up on the farm and loved farming. He was an auctioneer for over 40 years and worked for the United States Postal Service for 18 years as a mail route carrier, was a tavern owner with his brother-in-law, a hog buyer, school bus driver and a depot agent. He gave help to whoever needed it. He was a Lions member and donated many gallons of blood.

 He faithfully and honorably served in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Graffias.

He went on an Honor Flight out of the Quad Cities on October 31, 2013 and received a Quilt of Valor on October 3, 2016.

Pat went to Clover Ridge in Maquoketa in April of 2015 and moved to West Wing in Dewitt in July 2017.

He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, going to the boat to gamble, picking black walnuts, singing and was ready to sing the Auctioneer Song at anytime. He dearly loved spending time with his family, especially the young kids.

Those left to cherish his memories are his sister Luella Schneden of Davenport, sister-in-law Myrna Cavanagh of Maquoketa, brother-in-laws & sister-in-laws,  Aletha Hughes of Monticello, Mick & Gin Hughes of Preston, Terese Cavanagh of Delmar, Tony Hughes of Wisconsin, Sharon Kueter of Oxford, Mike & Jean Hughes of Coralville, Jerry & Linda House of Delmar, special niece Patty Kay Grant and sister-in-law Linda House who took care of Pat and many other nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Charlene, brothers; Frances and Walter, an infant brother, sisters Mae, Carmilla, Helen and Madaline.

Many heartfelt thanks to the nurses at West Wing and Hospice for the great care he received.

Memorials may be directed in his honor to his two loves, Delmar Lions and St. Patrick’s Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.laheys.com

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