Bill Cavanaugh

Bill Cavanaugh, 77, of Kankakee, passed away Wednesday morning, May 8, 2024, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He was born November 22, 1946, in Kankakee, the son of Daniel and Mary (McGrath) Cavanaugh. On October 8, 1966, he married Kathleen (Kax) Arseneau at St. Rose of Lima, Kankakee. Bill sold international trucks and was the Otto Township Supervisor since his election in 2012. Bill was a fun-loving family man, and always put his family first. He was known to always have a smile for everyone and had a positive attitude. His jokes and quick-witted comments showed the tremendous sense of humor he had on a daily basis. He was an avid Chicago White Sox and Illini fan. He loved spending time at the Kankakee Speedway as crew chief for his son, Mike, # 6 car. Bill also enjoyed listening to country music, working outside on his property, and going to the rodeo. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kax Cavanaugh of Kankakee; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Dina Cavanaugh of St. Cloud, FL; a grandson, Mitch Cavanaugh of Denver, CO; two step-grandsons, Tyler Surprenant of Bradley and Travis Surprenant of St. Cloud, FL; a step-great grandson, Sylas; siblings, Ray (Kay) Cavanaugh of Oro Valley, AZ and Mary Schott of Limestone; sisters-in-law, Joann Cavanaugh of Braidwood and Shirley Cavanaugh of Custer Park; and special nephew, Chris (Tonya) Cavanaugh of Braidwood; as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded in death by his loving children; daughter, Marnie Cavanaugh-Wyatt, who passed in 1998 and infant son, John Cavanaugh; grandson, Cole Cavanaugh, who passed in 2023; brothers, John Cavanaugh who passed in 2022 and Frances Cavanaugh who passed in 2024; his sister, Kathleen Gatlin who passed in 2000; as well as a niece, Catherine Russell who passed in 2023. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 11 a.m. until the memorial service at 2 p.m. with Deacon Pat Skelly officiating. Cremation Rites were accorded. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.