Wayne Cavanagh

Wayne Cavanagh “Poppy”, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2023 surrounded by his family’s love. He was born and raised in Ottawa. Illinois and proudly served in the Korean War. Wayne was a gifted storyteller and loved to regale his family with his tales. of growing up in Ottawa, being a medic in the army and his adventures as a salesman. He could talk to a brick wall! As a young father, he loved coaching baseball and in later years, woodworking. He also loved sports cars and traveling out West with Mary. Wayne is predeceased by his wife and love of his life of 67 years, Mary Margaret. He is survived by his children, Pat (Diane) Cavanagh, Dan (Amy) Cavanagh and Kathy (Nick) Reiland. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sara (Kevin) Dailey, Maureen (Derek) Wilmet, Hannah (Bryan) Winters, Bradley (Mary) Cavanagh, Alex Reiland, David (Ciera) Cavanagh and Jack Reiland and his precious great granddaughters, Riley Cavanagh and Georgia Wilmet. The family would like to thank the staff at Generations at Neighbors and MercyHealh Hospice for care and compassion they had shown him. There will be no service. The family will have a private celebration of his life at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Generation at Neighbors (Nursing Home) 811 W 2nd Street, Byron, IL. 61010 or MercyHealth Hospice of Illinois 4223 E. State St. Rockford IL 61108. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd. Loves Park, 61111. www.statelinecremations.com