Dr. Daniel Kavanaugh

All who knew Dr. Daniel Kavanaugh would agree his life exemplified what it means to be the hands of Christ. He never met a stranger and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Dan was blessed to spend 47 years with the love of his life. Together, they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren Dan treasured more than anything on this earth. He lived a life of faith, dignity, and hope. It was these attributes among many more that allowed him to face the greatest struggle he had ever known when diagnosed with cancer. Life will never be the same without Dan, but his legacy of unwavering strength and unconditional love will be proudly carried on by those who follow him.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Despite the trying times, a bustling family from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was delighted to welcome a healthy baby boy into the mix on March 30, 1936.

As the youngest of seven boys born to his parents, Francis and Hazel (Wendell) Kavanaugh, baby Daniel Eugene seemed to have the world by its’ tail right from the start. His father owned and operated Kavanaugh Insurance Agency while his mother managed the household and set a high standard for Dan and his brothers. He worked diligently to match their successes as all the Kavanaugh children were highly competitive in both athletics and academics. The Kavanaugh home was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. They were active members of St. Augustine Church where Dan began his lifelong devotion to Christ through service as an altar boy. They were a gregarious family that frequently gathered to sing around the piano, tell stories, and create mischief. Summers were spent at their lake house on Gull Lake where Dan developed a love for canoeing and swimming. He attended St. Augustine School (with one year at Barbour Hall) from elementary until he graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1954. During high school, Dan played basketball, ran cross-country, and served as the student body president.

After graduating from high school his lifelong dream became reality when Dan enrolled at the University of Notre Dame. He graduated with a B.A. in June of 1958 and worked his way through dental school at the University of Detroit. Dan’s education was finally complete when he graduated in June of 1963 with his DDS.

In July of 1963 Dan joined the Navy. After Officer’s Training School in San Diego, he completed a tour of duty in Japan where he served as a DDS as part of a First Marine Aircraft Wing. Upon returning from Japan, he was assigned to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. He completed his service in the Naval Reserves earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

On Christmas Eve in 1964, Dan met the woman who stole his heart. While returning to Kalamazoo from duty overseas he struck up a conversation with a flight attendant named Bonnie Fitzgerald. She couldn’t help but notice the handsome officer in uniform. Dan called the day after Christmas to invite her to a New Year’s Eve party, and the rest is history. Deeply in love, he and Bonnie were married on November 27, 1965, at St. Augustine Church.

After two years in the Chicago area, the newlyweds returned home to Kalamazoo. Dan established his dental practice in Galesburg in the fall of 1967 with his dedicated assistant and friend, Donna Daam, by his side throughout his 46 year career. Ten of those years, Dan also instructed in the dental hygiene program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Dan was an attentive and hardworking dentist who cared for his patients as though they were family.

Dan was an active member of the local community. He served as the President of the Galesburg Rotary Club, President of the Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo, and President of the St. Ann’s Parish Council. In 2004, he received the “Award of the Year” for his outstanding service from the Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo. He was also a member of the Kalamazoo Dental Society.

Together, Dan and Bonnie were blessed with three children: Beth, Matt, and Drew. After twelve years in Galesburg, they built a home in Hickory Corners in 1979. Dan was actively involved in the lives of his children including coaching their soccer and basketball teams. Family dinners were a cherished tradition often lingering at the table for hours, entertaining various friends and family members. The times they gathered at the table are among some of the fondest memories the family treasures to this day.

In addition to being with his family, Dan also enriched his life in countless ways. He was always active: favorites included running, shooting hoops, swimming, and canoeing. He loved Notre Dame football games, productions at The Barn Theater, competing in local 5K and 10K races, culminating in a marathon in Dublin, Ireland. However, this “Papa’s” greatest joy came from attending his grandchildren’s events and activities. He loved watching sports of all kinds, episodes of Jag, and anything starring John Wayne. A self-proclaimed chili critic, Dan also enjoyed homemade cookies and Budweiser on ice (but not together!). Dan was a devoted RCIA and CCD teacher and sang in the choir at St. Ann’s Church (Gull Lake) where he was a member for over 40 years. More recently, Dan and Bonnie were members at St. Ambrose in Parchment.

Proud of his completely Irish heritage, Dr. Dan Kavanaugh was a kind and gentle soul. The memories Dan leaves behind will be forever cherished by all those who were within his reach.

Dr. Daniel E. Kavanaugh died April 12, 2013. Dan’s family includes his wife, Bonnie Kavanaugh; 3 children: Elizabeth (Patrick) Terrell, Matthew (Amy) Kavanaugh, and Andrew (Davina) Kavanaugh; 11 grandchildren: Seth, Veronica, Luke, Cece, Eli, Claire, Jacob, Kierra, Kiah, Kristofer and Vanessa; 2 brothers: Dr. Philip Kavanaugh and Dr. Thomas (Susan) Kavanaugh; mother-in-law, Phyllis Fitzgerald Zabel; sisters-in-law, Ruth Kavanaugh and Cathy Kavanaugh; dedicated assistant and close friend, Donna Daam; and many nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Frank Jr., Dr. John, Dr. Robert and Dr. James Kavanaugh. Learn more about Dan, view his Life Story film, and share in an “Irish Wake” with his family and friends on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Dr., 375-2900 where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral. Private burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A luncheon will be shared following the mass at the Life Story Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo. Memorial donations may be directed to the Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo, St. Ambrose Catholic Church – Parchment, or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.