John Matthew Kavanaugh, 91

John Matthew Kavanaugh died peacefully on March 2, 2020, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was 91. John was born Feb. 3, 1929, to Matthew and Marie (Walsh) Kavanaugh, in New Rockford, N.D. His family moved to Aberdeen, S.D., where he spent his youth. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1953, having attended on a Naval ROTC scholarship. He served as an officer in the United States Navy while stationed in Newport, R.I. He attained the rank of full lieutenant. It was there, while his ship was dry docked in Boston, that he met his wife of 50 years, Charlotte (Coombs). They moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., where he worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Hoffman-La Roche. At the time of his retirement, after 32 years of service he had received more sales awards than any salesman in the history of the company.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; parents Matthew and Marie (Walsh) Kavanaugh; sister, Mary Jane Pennington; and brother, Patrick Kavanaugh. John is lovingly remembered by his children Kevin (and Sharon) Kavanaugh of Coeur d’Alene and Kathleen Kavanaugh of Alexandria, Va.; his grandchildren, Ashley (Wilson) Criscione, Sean, Matthew and Liam Kavanaugh; sister, Rosemarie (Dave) Lavine of San Diego; and brother, Michael (Barbara) Kavanaugh of Clinton, Wis.

Blessed and eternal be the memory of John M. Kavanaugh

Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.