David J. Cavanaugh

David J. Cavanaugh, 58, of Minden, passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022 at CHI Health – Good Samaritan in Kearney. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Heartwell with the Rev. Evan Winter officiating. The service will be posted to the funeral home’s Facebook page. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Craig Funeral Home in Minden with a Rosary service at 6:00 at the funeral home. Private family interment will be held at the White Hill Cemetery north of Minden. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. John’s / Holy Family Knights of Columbus Council 10335. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is in charge of the arrangements. David James Cavanaugh was born on January 2, 1964 in Minden to Lawrence “Larry” and Delores “Dee” (Exstrom) Cavanaugh. He grew up in Minden and graduated from Minden High School with the class of 1982. In his younger years, Dave worked (and had a lot of fun) at Kimple Oil. He later held many agricultural based jobs and also owned and operated his own aerial chemical application company. Most recently, he was employed by Nebraskaland Aviation. Dave was blessed with one daughter, Clare from a previous marriage. On September 21, 2018, he was united in marriage to Donna J. Krecklow in Minden. With this union, Dave welcomed Donna’s sons and treated them as his own. Dave was an avid Minden Whippets and Nebraska Huskers fan. He loved following NASCAR, spending time with friends and family, and collecting t-shirts. Dave was great at administering practical jokes to the unsuspecting friend….however, he didn’t really enjoy being on the receiving end of other’s practical jokes! He was fun loving, easy going. He always had his favorite set of pliers and screwdriver that he took everywhere he went. Those left to cherish his life include his wife Donna of Minden; daughter, Clare Cavanaugh of Lafayette, LA; stepsons, Aaron Damratowski of Minden, Nathan (Erica) Damratowski of Sacramento, CA, Matthew (Sadie) Damratowski of Kearney, and Alex (Emily) Damratowski of Minden; four grandchildren, with one more on the way; sister, Debra (Dan) Dorn of Minden; brothers, Michael (Janet) Cavanaugh, and Matthew Cavanaugh, all of Minden; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mark Cavanaugh; an infant sister; and nephew, Aaron Cavanaugh. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

David J. Cavanaugh

January 2, 1964 - February 18, 2022