Obituary

Jack Allan Cavanah, 86, of Granger, IA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 18th, 2024. Jack was born on September 17th, 1938, in Millersburg, IL to Allan and Ella Mae Cavanah. Jack graduated from Aledo High School in 1956. Jack attended The University of Missouri before graduating with a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Agronomy from the University of Illinois. After graduating, Jack began his 38-year career with Pioneer Hi-Bred International. Jack’s time at Pioneer allowed him to travel the world and blessed him with cherished friends, mentors and mentees.

Jack married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Sue Roth on January 29th, 1961. Jack and Marjorie were blessed with two children: daughter Cathy and son Clint. Jack was a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his four beloved grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family and attending their activities. After retirement, Jack took every opportunity to visit corn fields and ride in the combine during harvest. He was also passionate about fishing, hunting, storytelling and sports.

Jack is survived by wife Marjorie; daughter Cathy (Thad) Pearson; son Clint (Lisa); grandchildren Alyssa Pearson, Jacob Pearson, Julia Cavanah and Colton Cavanah; sister Harriet (Roger) Dart; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jack was preceded by his parents, Allan and Ella Mae Cavanah and sister Karen (Cavanah) Hollen.

A visitation will be held from 3pm to 6pm on Friday, January 10th at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, IA. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 11am at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, IA. Graveside services will be held at a later date at Candor Cemetery in Aledo, IL.

Memorials may be made to:
Stoddard Cancer Center, Blank Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Jack’s service will be live streamed on the Iles website. Go to www.ilescares.com just before11:00am Saturday and scroll to the bottom of his obituary for the link to join the service.
Link can be found here or the bottom of this page https://youtube.com/live/KXeGugEkFHE?feature=share

ILES DUNN'S CHAPEL

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Jack Cavanah, please visit our Tribute Store.