Final Salute

Bernard L. Kavan

August 9, 1934 – June 1, 2022

Bernard L. Kavan (Bernie) passed away June 1, 2022. He was 87 years old. He was born on August 9, 1934 in Wahoo, Nebraska to parents Frank J and Rose Kavan. Early grade schooling was at District 97 in a one room country school house. He completed high school graduation at Wahoo High School. He grew up in a farming community assisting his father and neighbors with their farm operations. Summer weekends were enjoyed with friends playing softball, fishing, hunting and special trips to Minnesota and Ontario, Canada fishing.

After discharge from the U.S. Navy Seabees, he attended the University of Nebraska earning a BSME engineering degree. Later, he graduated from the University of Idaho with an MSME, PE engineering degree during employment at the National Reactor Testing Station near Arco Idaho, Chemistry Processing Plant. Bernie’s career began in eastern Idaho. He continued on to western Idaho in food processing. He ended his career working in the pulp and paper industry in western Oregon.

In 1961, Bernie and Marlene Olson of Davey, Nebraska were married. They had five children together: Rose Anne, Andrew, Nancy, Linda and Patrick. Rose Anne lost her life to cancer January 7, 1991. Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage. The family made their homes in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Caldwell, Idaho; Soda Springs, Idaho, Beaverton, Oregon; and Portland Oregon. Many friendships were made through dinner and bridge club groups and thru his children’s activities. The family enjoyed many outdoor adventures including skiing, hiking, camping, events with Girl and Boy Scouts, swimming competitions and baseball.

The family made many trips back to Nebraska to attend family events. A fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration was held in Davey, Nebraska at St Mary’s Catholic Church and the Davey Community Hall. Live polka music, dancing, and dinner filled the day with family and friends attending. Later a celebration was held in Beaverton, Oregon. In retirement, he and Marlene made several cruise trips and traveled to many destinations.

He is survived by his special and dear spouse, Marlene; children Andrew, Nancy, Linda, Patrick; daughter-in-law Ann, and two grandchildren, Abigail Rose and Oscar Louis Kavan. His siblings, now deceased were Thomas (Lillian), Frank (Agnes), Gertrude (Art Dobesh), George (Clara), Paul Reinsch (spouse of Rose Mary), and Vennie Kavan. His sister Rose Mary Reinsch, sister-in-law Mary Ann Kavan and several nephews, nieces and children survive him. Bernie will be remembered by his ready smile, kindness, and gentleness.

A visitation will be held on June 6, 2022 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Duyck & Vandehey Funeral Home. 3615 NE John Olsen Place, Hillsboro, Oregon, 97124. A private Mass will be held on Monday June 13th at St. Mathews Catholic Church, Hillsboro, OR. On that day, his family requests that you honor his memory at your own private celebration. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery, Seattle Washington next to his daughter Rose Anne. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to the Rose Anne Kavan Memorial Scholarship at the University of Idaho or to a charity of your choice.