Jean Ellen Cavanaugh

September 14, 1934 - September 17, 2018

Jean Cavanaugh, age 84, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Monday, September 17, 2018 in Storm Lake. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m. and rosary at 6:45 p.m. all at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Jean Ellen Cavanaugh, the daughter of Harley and Genevieve (Kirby) Ellis, was born on September 14, 1934 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed at Pomeroy. Jean grew up in Palmer where she attended grade school and later moved to Lake View. In her youth, she enjoyed the snow and ice skating on the lake. Later she would graduate from Lake View High School in 1953. After high school, Jean furthered her education by attending Business School in Omaha, Nebraska. After college, Jean found employment at Mutual of Omaha. She then moved to Storm Lake, and worked as a secretary for the Gas Co. On August 31, 1957, Jean was united in marriage to Paul Cavanaugh in Wall Lake. She first met Paul at the Cobblestone at a dance; for many years later, Paul and Jean would enjoy dancing. Their first date was in Okoboji. They were blessed with four children: Paula, Mary, Patty, and Mike. After raising her children, Jean worked at Berg Jewelry. Jean was very active in her community through volunteering at the SOS Store, Methodist Manor, Hospice, and at the BVRMC Coffee Shop. Jean was a great cook and loved baking for others. Faith was very important to her, she was a devout Catholic and a long-time member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Above all, Jean loved her family and grandchildren. She always took the time to make her family feel special. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Paula (Kenny) Lindquist of Albert City, Iowa; Mary (Vic) Hendriks of Jefferson, South Dakota; Patty (Ryan) Rohlk of West Okoboji, Iowa; Mike (Jeanie) Cavanaugh of Storm Lake, Iowa; brother, John “Jack” Ellis of Iowa City, Iowa; grandchildren: Tyler (Taryn) Lindquist and their daughter, Elise; Andrea (Daniel) Christiansen; Nicole (Bradford) Peter and their sons, Lleyton & Liam; Connor Lindquist; Evan Hendriks; Maggie & Olivia Rohlk; Amanda (Casey) Buck; Lindsey (Zach) Irlbeck; Paige & Dylan Cavanaugh; aunt, Iliah Dahlquist of Lawton, Michigan; nieces, nephews, and extended family. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Paul.