Jesse Cavanaugh Jr.

Jesse Cavanaugh Jr., “Oyate Owicakiye” (Helps The People) 60 of St. Michael ND passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital with loving family at his side.

The Wake for Jesse will be on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Tekakwitha Center in St. Michael with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, December 15^th at 10:00 a.m. also at the Tekakwitha Center with Reverend Paul Schuster officiating.

Jesse was born on May 4, 1961 at Devils Lake the son of Jesse Cavanaugh Sr. and Mary Christine Court Cavanaugh.  He was raised by Margaret and Silas IronHeart Sr. He grew up in the St. Michael area and attended St. Michael’s Mission School and Devils Lake Central High School. He proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army.

Jesse had many talents, was a jack-of-all-trades. He was a successful boxer in his younger days, was a skilled self-taught mechanic (he loved his tools), excellent cook and baker. He worked a variety of jobs for Spirit Lake Tribe at Sioux Manufacturing, Refuse Control, Senior Meals, and road construction. 

Jesse has been blessed with 34 years with his dear Sharon (Thompson) and they were married on February 11, 2011. They have lived, worked and raised their family in St. Michael District.

Jesse never considered working on cars, engines, machinery as work. He found great satisfaction in being able to repair something. He was always happy to share his food creations with family and friends. Just going cruising around, visiting with friends, taking in the sites was an enjoyable day to Jesse. He loved his family with all his heart. He will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jesse leaves to mourn his passing. His wife, Sharon; children Inez Belgarde, Shirley Thompson (Dustin Black), Jessica Cavanaugh, Jessie Cavanaugh, Everett Thompson Sr., Silas Cavanaugh, Jerome Thompson; godson Wesley BirdHorse Sr.; grandchildren Lita, Oscar, Wambli, Dusty, Delin, Patrick, Elisa, Lavida, Arionna, Jaydean, Elijah, Valentino, Jacinda, Everett Jr. and Katie; aunt Catherine Howard; sisters Frances “Ponchie” (Terry) Halsey, Darlene (Mike) Stone, Delta Nelson, Carol Cavanaugh, Sheila Thompson (Cody Guy) and Beverly Butts French; brothers Roger Cavanaugh and Silas IronHeart Jr.; many nieces and nephews.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord, parents Jesse and Mary Christine, step-parents Silas and Margaret, grandson Angel Quinn Thompson, brothers and sisters Herbert “Herbie” Cavanaugh, Harriet Cavanaugh, Julie Laswell, Leonard Cavanaugh, Georgeline BlackHawk and Jeannie Brown.

Pallbearers are Everett Thompson Sr., Dustin Black Sr., Russell Littleghost, Keith Longie Sr., Jeff Cavanaugh, Johnathan Stone, Jerry BlackBird and Calvin Thompson

Honorary Bearers are the Pearson Family, Cavanaugh Family, Thompson Family, Littleghost Family, Little Family, IronHawk Family, Chaske Family, Robertson Family, Jackson Family, Yankton Family, Greywater Family, Belgarde Fam,ily, OwlBoy Family, WhiteShield Family, Longie Family, RedRoad Family, Demarce Family, Harrison Family, Olson Family, Merrick Family, Lohnes Family, Cloud Family, Wallace Family, White Family, Youngman Family, Stone Family, Baker Family, Brown Family, BlackBird Family, Leban Family, McKay family, LaCroix Family, Kraft Family, Schempp Family, Gaking Family, the physicians and nurses at the Devils Lake Hospital and the Altru Dialysis Staff.  If we forgot to name anyone it wasn’t intentional.  Jesse loved you all. 

Music by the Lake Region Drum Group and the family would like to invite anyone to share stories, songs and drum music in memory of Jesse.