John R. Kavanaugh, age 51, of Elwood, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family at his side on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. He is survived by his devoted wife Lisa of 23 years, his mother and stepfather Patricia and Phillip Carlos, his daughters Haley (Brigit) Kavanaugh and Taylor Kavanaugh, his brother Michael (Carolyn) Kavanaugh, his mother and father-in-law Kathleen and David Plese, his sister-in-law Angie (Todd) Randich, his brother-in-law David Plese, his uncles Joseph (Mary Jane) Walsh and Timothy (Cindy) Walsh, his nieces Holly (Steve) Stone and Keirsten Plese, many other aunts, uncles and cousins and his faithful canine companion "Tucker". Preceded in death by his father Terrance Kavanaugh, his grandparents Ray and Margaret Walsh, Frank and Marie Kavanaugh and Eugene Sr. and Mary Carlos, and his uncle Michael Walsh, and his uncle and aunt Dennis and Janet Walsh. John was a graduate of Joliet Central High School. He worked for Jomar Construction for a time and went to Spiess Construction for the last 25 years. He was also a Local 75 Union Member. John was a farmer at heart, he and his uncle Tim ran T & J Farms together. John was hardworking, kind and generous, a loving son, husband, dad, brother, uncle and cousin and friend and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of John's life will be planned for the near future. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forysthegouldfh.com.