Van Cavanaugh

Van Cavanaugh, a former resident of Madison's East Side, died Wednesday, November 2, 2011 in Palm Springs, California. Van was born in Baxter Springs, Kansas on September 29th, 1918, he was 93 years old. He moved to Wisconsin in the late 1930s and met his wife Dolores in Madison. They married in June 1941. He was employed at Forsberg Paper Box Company (later Eastex Paper Box Company) from 1946 until his retirement in 1982. Van and Dolores enjoyed traveling throughout the country. They also were country western fans enjoying the likes of Porter Wagner, Minnie Pearl, Tammy Wynette and Mel Tillis. For several years they made annual trips to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee and Branson, Missouri. After 62 years of wedded bliss Dolores Cavanaugh passed away in June 2003. After Dolores passed away, Van moved to Palm Springs, California, living near his son Don. Van enjoyed the Palm Springs weather and driving Don's golf cart at Canyon Country Club. The 19th hole was special; relaxing with friends, listening to jokes, enjoying a bowl of chili, and a brandy and water. He is survived by his two sons, Don Cavanaugh, Palm Springs, California and Dave Cavanaugh, Alexandria, Virginia; and four grandchildren, Kelle Baker, Shayne Alloway, Suzanne Vogel and Kim Albertson & 9 great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held in Palm Springs at the Blue Coyote Grill on November 19, 2011. Burial will be announced later and held at the Eastside Cemetery in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.