Brett Allen Cavanaugh, age 43, of Portage, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at his home.
Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2017 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Pastor Janet Ruark will officiate. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
Brett was born December 31, 1973 in Adams, Wisconsin to John and Sally Cavanaugh.
He graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1992.
Brett enjoyed spending time with his family and playing with his nieces & nephews, helping his local church and volunteering for the food pantry & homeless shelters, volunteering at children’s events dressing up as Santa & the Easter Bunny, raising and riding horses, raising chickens, baking, and collecting wolf, horse & duck figurines.
Brett was a member of the United Church of Christ in Grand Marsh, Adams County Fair Board and the Grand Marsh Area Development.
Brett was preceded in death by his grandparents, Calvin & Dorothy Winchester & Robert Cavanaugh; uncles, Robert Cavanaugh Jr. & Mike Cavanaugh and Aunt, Cindy Gore.
Survivors:
Parents: John & Sally Cavanaugh of Adams, Wisconsin
Brother: Darrick (Rose) Cavanaugh of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin
Brother: David (Sarah) Cavanaugh of Northport, Florida
Niece: Kaitlyn Cavanaugh
Nephew: Ayden Cavanaugh
Niece: Madelyn Cavanaugh
Nephew: Nash Cavanaugh
Niece: Kyla Cavanaugh
Nephew: Connor Cavanaugh
Grandmother: Wilma (Rhinney) Miller of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin
Further survived by many: aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends
I only discovered Bretts passing yesterday as I received the rural rambler! Your thanks!! My shock!!! Remember him spending summer time with my Nephew Neil at Good old Grandma Ruth’s!! Life doesn’t seem fair at times!! God guide you thru this difficult time! Know Ruthie will be watching over him!!!??
… a parents’ worst nightmare. My heartfelt sorrow is yours. So sorry.
So sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. He was a friend in high school, and was always smiling. My condolences.
Ralph and Sally,
So sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
So very sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. He was such a kind person and always had a smile on his face. He will truly be missed by so many that were lucky enough to know him. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Bretts passing. He had suck a kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ralph & Sally & Family… We first met Brett when we each starting working at the Adams Co. Courthouse. His infectious smile & good humor was always a pleasure to encounter. We know he left a huge hole in your family as he did in the community. May he rest in peace. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ralph & Sally & Family
So sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Our sincere condolences, thoughts & prayers are with you.
We are so sad to hear of Brett’s passing, he was a very kind “sole”.
Heaven definitely has another angel…..
I will always remember Brett for his many acts of kindness, and his great hugs.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Our hearts are heavy…we ache for you, Sally and Johnny, and all the family and friends.
We are so sad. What a shock. Please know we appreciated getting to know and visiting with Brett.
We love him, and all of you, too. May you feel God’s strong arms around you and may He give you rest and strength. Our prayers, love, and hugs, Dan and Marilyn
Ralph, Sally, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers that God may sustain and strengthen you now and in days ahead.
Sorry for your loss
Dear Ralph, Sally and family … You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Brett was a very special person and he followed his faith to the end. It was a privilege to have had him in Sunday School, Bible School and 4-H when he was growing up. There are many wonderful memories that I have of Brett. May God walk with you during this difficult time.
My condolences to Sally, Ralph and family. Brett has always been a kind and loving person, as I heard of his passing I was reminiscing on all the years, such a good soul, never an evil word for anyone. I pray that he is at peace and you all find strength in each other to get through this terrible time. ~Michelle Rykiel-Hilt & family.
Sally, Ralph and family.
I was so shocked to hear of Brett’s passing. Lean on your family, friends and all your wonderful memories of him to help you through this difficult time. I’ve been through this as we lost our son three years ago and I know how important these all are.
Sally and family, So sorry for your loss. RIP Brett!
Ralph and Sally- We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Brett at such a young age. You are in our prayers.May the Lord look over Your son and Family.
Thoughts and prayers to your family. Love, Carol and Gale Gohlke
Special thoughts are also sent by Dee Witcraft. He will be missed. Many memories!
Sorry for your loss……Dee
Sally John and all Brett’s family and many many friends.although I was not a close friend of Brett’s, I had several times talking with him over the years around town. He was such a people person, with personality plus…. We were Facebook friends.. your son was loved by so many in the community. My condolences, and prayers for your entire family at the loss of Brett.
We are sorry for your loss. Peace and comfort to the family.
Ralph, Sally & family,
Every time I had the pleasure of seeing Brett, he had a smile a mile wide. He was such a caring and friendly guy.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs to all.
Brett was a very close friend to me and uncle to my kids, he spent a lot of time helping me out whenever I needed him to watch the kids when I was working. I have a lot of good memories of Brett. I am going to miss him.. He was always there to lend a ear even when he had his own issues he was dealing with. I love you like a big brother Brett always have always will…
So sorry to hear about your loss of Brett. He was a kind and wonderful person. He was loved by all his family and friends and he will be missed by all of us.
I saw this, I am so very sorry to hear of this. Hugs and Prayers to all
Sorry for the loss of your son. A life cut way too short. My condolences.
We are so sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time or heartache :'(
Ralph, Sally, Derek, David and Family,
My deepest condolences on Brett’s passing. Our thoughts are with you in this trying time. We will fondly remember Brett.
Ralph and Sally, so truly sorry for the loss of your loved one. We are called home, each at our own hour. May the Lord comfort you during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My sincere condolences.
So sorry for your loss. Brett will be missed by all. I remember babysitting for him when he was little. He was always so kind and helpful. We will keep you and your family in are prayers.
So sorry for your loss.
Ralph and Sally what more can be said that already hasn’t been I didn’t know Brett like most people here have said but I know you and Sally. A lot of good memories with you guys my prayers and thoughts are with both. I can not even imagine what this loss must feel like. In the Bible it says “in the blink of an eye we will be in His presence” We will all be reunited with our loved ones at the end of this journey when we are taken home to eternity I know that this will not take the heartbreak away but it gives us Hope I love you guys and will never forget you
I am totally floored seeing that this young man has left way too soon …not sure what happened. But he will definitely missed by many. My condolences go out to his family and close friends. Glad I was able to know him some from school… R.I.P. Brett
Sally, Ralph and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Brett always had a smile whenever I saw him no matter how long in between times he always had time to visit. He had a great love for his family. May the memories help you during this rough time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Another life taken too early. Brett had a gentle and caring heart to all he met. Sympathies and prayers of comfort to his family. Thanks Brett for all your help in my classroom.
Sally, Ralph and family, sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
I am so sad to hear of Brett’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
RIP BRETT. You will be missed!
Brett will be missed, he always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Prayers to his family.
So sorry for you loss way to young. Thoughts and prayers to the Cavanaugh family.
Send my condolences to his family and friends
Sorry for your loss my sympathy for Brett’s family
To Sally and family, We send our sincere condolences and our prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
So sorry to hear about your loss.
My sympathy to you all. He will be missed
So sorry on your loss, May God, family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
So sorry for your loss are prayers and thoughts are with you
So sorry for your loss Ralph and Sally.
There are no words for this.
I think a lot of people are mourning your loss with you.
Brett was such a wonderful person with such a kind and compassionate heart. Je was and always will be held so close to my heart, not only as a cousin but as a dear friend. He had such wonderful family values as well as striving to be the best friend possible to everyone who needed him. He is a true inspiration to me and those around him, may be continue to strive to be the type of person that Brett was. Brett, from many many years ago on to now, you have been a huge part of my life, please know, although I cannot come and see you physically, I will see you in my dreams and I know you will be patiently waiting for me on the other side…. I love you always and forever and I am sorry I didnt say it enough…. but I know you have always known it in your heart…. you will be truly missed. ❤
Sally, Ralph and family…my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May God lessen your pain with good memories of time spent with Brett. God Bless! Please know I am here if you ever need anything.
Prayers of comfort for his family. He was a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed deeply
very fond memories of Brett especially during fair week he was always there to help load and unload items, always polite and anytime I saw him at the store or wherever he was the same he will be deeply missed my condolences to his family. RIP Brett
R.I.P Brett…you where an amazing friend. ..God bless you. ..
Sally, Ralph and boys you have my prayers at this difficult time. Remember all the good times over the years.
Ralph, Sally, Derrick, David, and the entire family and friends of Brett:
I am shocked beyond words to hear of Brett’s passing, may the memories of his kind heart, his quick, genuine smile and knowing how loved he was by all who knew him bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. May the many wonderful memories you each have help ease your pain and bring you solace as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! May Brett rest in peace!
I am so sorry to hear about Brett I couldn’t believe it my condolences to the family and friends I’ve known him for years I just can’t really believe it
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers.
To the Cavanaugh family
My prayers are with you. Brett was such a good person. Always there for anyone that needed his help. Will miss him.
My deepest sympathy to all of you!! Brett was such a friendly person, always enjoyed talking to him!!!
Ralph ,Sally and family so sorry to hear of Brett’s passing great memories when I used to babysit, and as we were growing up.
Rip Brett
Sally, Ralph, and family – So sorry to hear about Brett’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and in the days to come.
I remember Brett from way back when I worked at Cenex. It’s been ages, but every time I would see Brett around town, he’d smile and say hello. He was such a kind person. Our deepest condolences to Sally & Ralph. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sally , Ralph and family , Prayer for you all during this sad time . My thoughts are with you.
Our Deepest Sympathies
Our Sympathy to all Of Brett’s Family and Friends, RIP Brett, with Love & Prayers Joe & Jeanne
To the family of Brett, My thoughts and prayers are with y’all. He was a classmate of mine and will always remember him as such a kind person. May you cherish your memories and may God comfort your hearts and mind. Again, I am deeply sorry. God’s peace~
My Sympathy to the family. I was shocked to hear of Brett’s passing. I will remember all the good times and his smile.
Sorry for your loss, he was a kindhearted soul, loved working with him
Brett always had time to talk and listen which made him a great and kind person, I will miss his hugs and smile.
So sorry for your loss!! Prayers with you and family.
We were so sorry to hear of Bretts passing. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael and Pamela DeLambo
Such an unexpected loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family and all friends. Rest in peace
Sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. Our condolences.
Prayers for the family. Am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort & His peace.
So sad to hear this. Brett will be remembered for the kind, friendly, nice person he was. I always enjoyed talking with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about Brett, no words can heal the hurt you are having at this time, will be thinking about the two of you at this time.
So sorry to hear about Brett, at a time like this no words can ever heal the hurt you are feeling right now. Will be thinking about the two of you.
From growing up as kids you were my bus partner. Thank you for all the memories and having the time to listen to my measly school drama. You will be dearly missed my friend. RIP
So sorry for your loss, he will be missed. My prayers are with you all
So sorry for your loss he will be dearly missed by all my thoughts an prayers are with the family
Sending prayers and my condolences to the family..R.I.P Brett
Sending prayers and my condolences to the family..R.I.P Brett
Brett was always a kind-hearted guy that loved to laugh and have fun. We are praying for strength for the family. Rest in peace, Brett.
Very sorry to hear, way to young.
Prayers to his family my deepest condolences
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Love and prayers to the family.
Sally and Ralph and family,I’m so sorry to here about Bretts passing. Way to young, may he rest in peace.Your family is in my prayers for comfort and peace at this difficult time.
My sympathies.
My condolences to the Cavanaugh family.
so sorry for your loss prayers to the family he will be missed
I am so sorry for your loss my heart and prayers go out to you hugs to the family I know he is soaring with the angels now
I am so sorry for your loss Brett was a great guy!
So sad to hear this. He always had a smile on his face every time I saw him. My thoughts and condolences to all of his family.
May he Rest In Peace
Sorry for loss
Me n Michael Meyer send our condolences so sorry bout your loss he was a great friend to talk to
My condolances to the family, may Brett find peace.
Brett, you were an awesome person. You helped everyone that needed it and so many people appreciated that. Your love for children was amazing and so many children just adored you. Our talks on facebook will be treasured always. God knew your heart, never judged you and loved you for who you were. You will be sadly missed Brett by so many. You will be forever remembered and always loved. Say hi to all of our loved ones that met you at the gates… RIP Brett
I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyedbtalking with Brett every chance I could get. May he soar with the angels. God bless.
So sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. He was a heck of a guy. Always kind and always friendly. The World will miss him. FLY HIGH MY FRIEND ON ANGEL WINGS. R.I.P
SO Sorry to hear the news about Brett. Rest Easy Brett!!!
Our dearest Brett,
You one of the greatest men my fiance and I ever knew. We were so blessed to have called you family and our best friend. You helped us in times of need and as we were your rock. We love you beyond words. Our condolences to “family” we haven’t officially met yet. We are so thankful we got to be apart of your life.
I am so sorry for loss.. Brett was a sweetheart and he will be missed