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1935
2017
Carole Jean Kavanaugh, 81, passed away peacefully March 12, 2017 in Des Moines, IA surrounded by her husband of 48 years, Daniel Joseph Kavanaugh Jr. her three children and one of her granddaughters.
Carole was born August 5, 1935, in Craigmont, Idaho to Warren Walter and Edna Mae (Jameson) Smith. She grew up in Van Cleve, Iowa and attended Van Cleve High School. (Neat fact, there were 7 people in her high school graduating class and 4 of her classmates survive today.) She continued her education at both the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
Carole began her career in commercial real estate and was one of the first female commercial realtors in Des Moines, Iowa. Later in life she opened Kavanaugh Art Gallery in West Des Moines with her husband, Dan and has been the director of the gallery for the past 25 years. Carole's creativity and passions were abundant. When visiting Carole at her home you either found her cooking up a storm for her family and friends or out in her garden, which was a work of art in itself. Another love of Carole's was Christmastime; she couldn't wait to break out the decorations and start baking cookies and candy with her grandchildren. In addition, Carole especially enjoyed golfing with her girlfriends at the Des Moines Country Club and looked forward to their yearly golf trips to Palm Springs. She also loved traveling with Dan - particularly road trips across the country so they could stop along the way and visit family, check out art galleries and soak up the scenery.
Carole is survived by her husband, Daniel Joseph Kavanaugh Jr.; children, Christopher Rinehart-Kavanaugh (Heather), Donavon Rinehart-Kavanaugh and Kim Kavanaugh Adler; grandchildren, Stephen Kavanaugh (Aly), Kelsey Kavanaugh Ryder (Anthony), MacLaine Kavanaugh Adler and Boudica Elizabeth Rinehart-Kavanaugh; brother, Don Smith; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, Jack Kavanaugh. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Joseph Kavanaugh III; brother, Robert Smith; and parents, Warren Walter and Edna Mae (Jameson) Smith.
Carole's opinions were strong, but she often kept them to herself, except of course when it came to politics and women's rights – it was no secret that she was a staunch Democrat! Carole was a consummate optimist and remained so throughout her battle with cancer. She will forever be in our hearts and deeply missed.
Funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. The visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at McLaren's Chapel in West Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary.
April 13, 2017
Saddened to learn of Carole's passing. Our condolences to Dan and family.
Lou and Barb Piatt
March 20, 2017
Christopher Rinehart Kavanaugh
March 20, 2017
Christopher Rinehart Kavanaugh
March 20, 2017
Christopher Rinehart Kavanaugh
March 20, 2017
Christopher Rinehart Kavanaugh
March 20, 2017
Christopher Rinehart Kavanaugh
March 19, 2017
Gary and Carol Anne Tracy
Gary and I were saddened to learn of Carole's passing. May you gain much comfort and strength in the power and faith of friendships healing touch.
March 16, 2017
Denise & Clif Jones
Thinking of all of you and praying for God's comfort to surround you, and to ease your sadness.
March 16, 2017
Andy,Katherine McDonald
We will miss Carole's,smile and her graciousness. We enjoyed coming over for her dinners.
March 15, 2017
Angela McBride
Aunt Carole used to have me by her side as a young girl in the kitchen as we cooked up a storm. She will be forever missed, loved and remembered. I love you Aunt Carole. Please say hi to my mom. Love Angela
March 15, 2017
Our sincere condolences to your family on Carole's passing. Steve & Marianne Alexander; Alexander's Photo
March 15, 2017
Claire Celsi
Dan and Don - I'm sorry about Carole's untimely passing. She was a beautiful soul - inside and out. I'll always be grateful for the cool confines of your shop on 5th when I needed to take a break from Farmer's Market, your friendship and conversation. Thank you for always being there for Carole. I will miss her posts on Facebook and conversing with her about politics. Peace and love to you.
March 15, 2017
Regina Glawe
Dan, please accept Stan's and my condolences for the loss of your lovely wife Carole. You both were good friends to me and my Valley Junction business--something I'll never forget and will appreciate forever.
March 14, 2017
Marla Lacey
Dan - I am so very sorry to hear of Carole's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
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Mar
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5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Funeral services provided by:
McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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