Robert “Bob” Cavanaugh, age 78, of Reedsville, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers following a brief illness.

Bob was born on October 29, 1947 in Manitowoc County, son of the late Victor & Mary (Daley) Cavanaugh. Bob graduated from Reedsville High School, class of 1965 and the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, class of 1969. He married Betty (nee- Geier) on October 14, 2006. Bob taught Agricultural Education at Shiocton High School from 1969 - 1974 and then at Valders High School from 1974 – 1977. Bob was a dairy farmer for 30 years, sharing the work ethnic, passion and values of farming with his children. He was also a part-time territory representative for All American Mineral of Shawano for 13 years. Through this he savored the opportunities to travel for local trade shows and conventions with his family as an outlet off the farm.

After retiring from dairy farming, Bob wanted to stay busy. He drove school bus for Valders Buses for 13 years. He enjoyed jokes with the kids and took the responsibility of their safety as an important role to him. His entire life he enjoyed working with animals, even in the days leading up to his recent illness he was tending to his beloved beef cattle and sheep.

His love for education is carried on through multiple family members as educators. Leadership was important to him. He also served on the Board of Education for Reedsville Public School for 5 years and was on the Manitowoc County Board & Expo for 10 years. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Manitowoc County Fair and supported the Fairest of the Fair program acquiring donations. During his children’s youth, he served as a 4-H dairy project leader and was a proud supporter of the FFA.

Bob was a past member at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Maple Grove and a current member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. Bob was 100% Irish and everything that comes with that, including a strong will for what he believes in. He enjoyed talking with people and sharing stories. Going out to supper clubs and a good meal with family and friends was how he loved to spend his time. He liked to read the daily news, was an avid Packer fan and followed local youth sports and activities. He enjoyed bus trips with Betty and could never get enough of Branson and good music.

Bob is survived by his wife, Betty of Reedsville; his children and spouses: Paula (Jim) Zdziarski of Manitowoc, Brad Cavanaugh of Houston, TX and Brenda (Erik) Gilbertson of Hollandale; 9 grandchildren; step-children: James Stanzel of Green Bay, Craig (Brenda) Stanzel of Manitowoc, Scott Stanzel of Green Bay, and Tim Stanzel of Fond du Lac; 8 step-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law: Marie Gagnon of Two Rivers; cousins and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Todd Cavanaugh; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Howard & Esther (Voelker) Geier; brother-in-law: Joseph Gagnon, nephew: Jason Gagnon and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. Officiating at the Mass will be Rev. Matt Colle and Deacon Greg Van Thiel. Entombment will be at Knollwood Mausoleum.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Online condolences may be made www.pielhop.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers for their care and compassion.

The family has chosen Pielhop Funeral Homes & Cremation Care Centers to honor Bob’s legacy of life.