Rodger Alan Cavanaugh

Rodger Alan Cavanaugh, 85, was called home to the Lord on July 26th, 2024, after a long battle with Dementia. When Rodger passed away, he was lovingly surrounded by his pastor and family members at his own farmhouse, which fulfilled his final wishes. Rodger was a hard-working man, an amazing husband for 60 years to his wife Janet, an extraordinary father to his only child Cody, and loved playing with and teaching his 3 grandchildren. 

Rodger was born to the late Sherman and Olga (Folkestad) Cavanaugh on June 5th, 1939, in the small town of Groton, SD. His Family grew up in the depression which led to a lifetime of collecting and rarely selling. Rodg followed in his father’s footsteps finding an intense passion for horses at a young age. This passion was the cornerstone of who he was and led to roping, clowning in rodeos, cowboy mounted shooting, leatherwork, and buying/selling horse. 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in teaching from South Dakota State University and his Master Degree in Earth Science from Utah State University. During college Rodger fell in love with everything rocks, astrology, teaching and making an impact on his community. He was an Earth Science Teacher at Neenah School District for 30 years and had an additional 10 years of teaching prior to that. He opened many clubs at Neenah including muzzleloader club, leather making club, guitar club and ski club. He was the President of the Neenah Education Association, President of the Wisconsin Education Association, President of the Society of Science Teachers, and a member of the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association.

Rodger and Jan slowly developed a 140 acre farm and raised a horse and carriage business. Their farm hosted school field trips, haunted hayrides, pick-a-pumpkin hayrides, horse riding lesson, sleigh rides and carriage rides. He was an avid hunter of duck, pheasant, and deer. As well as a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited. He loved everything related to Firearms, especially from WWII. Rodger was a faithful Christian and a pivotal piece in raising their new church body, bringing in many new members and led the worship team in playing guitar and singing on Sundays. Rodg adored EAA and dedicated 50 years of his life to fueling airplanes, meeting famous pilots, and listening to stories about aviation.

Rodger is preceded in death by parents Sherman and Olga Cavanaugh, and sister Kathy Cavanaugh. He is survived by wife Janet, son Cody, daughter-in-law Jessica, and his 3 grandchildren Grayson, Coehn, and Lyra.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church (1850 American Drive, Neenah, WI 54956) on August 24th. Visitation starts at 10am with a Memorial Service at 12pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made directly to the family. If flowers are sent they can be delivered directly to the church on Friday, August 23rd, in the morning or afternoon.