Marilyn Joyce Cavanaugh

West Des Moines

Marilyn Joyce Cavanaugh, 82, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at McLaren’s Chapel with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.

Marilyn was born September 30, 1929 in Fort Dodge, Iowa the daughter of Helen and Ralph Wicker. She went to school in Fort Dodge, took dancing and piano lessons, went to Girl Scout camp several years, and enjoyed and taught swimming lessons. She graduated high school in 1947. Marilyn attended Drake University and graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois in 1951. She married Gordon Cavanaugh on June 21, 1950 and they had four children. Marilyn enjoyed raising her children, traveling, music, and singing in the church choir. She taught piano lessons for many years. She was involved in the boards for the Junior Theater League and Broadway Theater League in Davenport, Iowa. Marilyn was a 60 year member of P.E.O. and a member of Plymouth Congregational Church.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, Dave Cavanaugh of Ames, Steve (Patty) Cavanaugh of Cedar Rapids, Connie (Don) Koehler of West Des Moines and Tom (Jolene) Cavanaugh of Des Moines; ten grandchildren, Jane Cavanaugh, Libby (Travis) Wielenga, Carrie Cavanaugh, Alex Cavanaugh, Kate Cavanaugh, Jackie Koehler, Ryan Koehler, Dan Cavanaugh, Sean Cavanaugh and Aaron (Amanda) Funke; and two great-granddaughters, Kaleigh Funke and Chloe Ryan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon T. Cavanaugh and a grandson, Kellen Cavanaugh.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at McLaren’s Chapel. Memorial contributions may be directed to Kavanagh House on 56th Street or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at mclarensresthavenchapel.com.