Michael Kearney Cavanaugh

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Michael Cavanaugh Obituary

Name: Visitation for Michael Kearney Cavanaugh
Start: 2023-02-16T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-02-17T01:30:00.000Z
Location: Michalik Funeral Home

Michael Kearney Cavanaugh, age 87, of Chicago, IL passed away unexpectedly. He is preceded in death by his parents Luke and Frances Cavanaugh; brother Matthew Cavanaugh; brother-in-law Duane Vaske; and nephew Mark Cavanaugh. He is survived by his loving brothers and sisters, Richard and Dana Cavanaugh of Davenport, IA, Steve and Colleen Blaes of Chesterfield, MO, Cathleen Vaske of Ankeny, IA, James and Ann Cavanaugh of John's Island, SC, Joan Lang of Omaha, NE, George and Donna Blazek of Omaha, NE; as well as twenty-three nieces and nephews. Michael was born in Fort Dodge, IA, where he graduated from Corpus Christi High School. Michael received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Creighton University and his law degree in 1960 from Georgetown University Law School, where he was a member of Georgetown Law Review. He earned an LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law. Michael was a trial attorney with the Tax Division of the Department of Justice prior to becoming a partner at Keck, Mahin, & Cate and then Foley & Lardner. In addition to being a great mentor to others, Michael was a devoted son to his late parents and a caring brother. Michael was a favorite uncle who provided guidance and support for his many nieces and nephews. Ever the Irishman, he always had a great story to tell and loved a good laugh. Michael was an avid tennis player and golfer and enjoyed spending time on his boat on Lake Geneva. He will be remembered fondly for his enthusiasm for life and devotion to his large family. Visitation Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Michalik Funeral Home, 1056 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642. Family and friends will meet Friday, February 17, 2023, at Assumption Catholic Church, 323 W. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60654 for a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor to the Sisters of Loretto, 515 Nerinx Rd., Nerinx, KY 40049, www.lorettocommunity.org, 270-431-0100. For info www.michalikfuneralhome.com or 312-421-0936.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cavanaugh

5 Entries

Mary Klein

February 15, 2023

I looked up to Mike very much. He was kind and honorable. Every time I saw him, he was smiling and his joy and generosity was contagious. Mike made this world a better place and will be very missed. My family will hold onto his memory and continue to be inspired by his example. Sending love and prayers to his family.

Barbara and Dave Holman

February 14, 2023

Our sympathies to Mike's family. We worked with Mike for many, many years, and we know that he surely loved you all with all his heart. We have fond memories, and trust that you do as well, and that those memories will give you comfort. Peace to his memory.

Bob Donnellan

February 13, 2023

Because of mutual friends, Mike and I were friendly for decades.
I respected and admired Mike.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Gwen Klein Family

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Steve Hendrickson

February 11, 2023

I was fortunate to work closely with Mike for many years. He, in his role as the long time advisor to a client's family, and me as the representative of Northern Trust. We had many a meeting, phone calls, and travels together before I retired in 2020. I truly enjoyed his company, and valued his insights to matters both related to our common clients, and the matters that reflected on our families, and our views of the world. Even as we debated the options, it was always clear that he depended on is own intellectual, and moral compass, to do what he felt was best for our shared client. I respected Mike's observations very much.

Those opportunities to stray off business and discuss the other sides of our lives, only solidified my view of Mike. While he had not married, and did not have his own children, Mike spoke frequently about his extended family. He was very proud of his siblings, and it was clear that he made a point to be involved with his nieces and nephews. He was so proud of all that they, too, had accomplished in their lives.

On our trips to Portland, OR, I was amazed at the size of the luggage he brought. I came to learn that he packed much less than what could have filled them. The empty space was filled at Powell's Bookstore, and brought back to Chicago. Mike was constantly reading, and learning.

I am sorry to say that I will be out of town for the services for Mike. I hope this opportunity to share my experiences with Mike will be one of many that reflect a common observation about the full life that Mike lived. May those memories comfort the family. Rest in peace, Mike.

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