John "Jack" William Kavaney

John "Jack" William Kavaney, 72, Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away Monday, October 16, 2017, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 21, 2017, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bismarck with Rev. Msgr. Gene Lindemann officiating. Visitation is scheduled for 5-7:00 PM, Friday, October 20, 2017, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Bismarck.

Jack was born August 26, 1945, in Bismarck, to Howard and Louise (Zander) Kavaney. He was raised in Bismarck, graduated from St. Mary's High School, attended St. Thomas College, St. Paul, Minnesota, Bismarck State College, and graduated from Mary College in May 1968, with a BS Degree in History and Secondary Education. He taught school for a short time, before beginning his career in real estate and real estate development. He was an Associate Broker with Aladdin Realty Inc., served as Legislative Sessions Chief Lobbyist for ND Association of Realtors and ND Association of Home Builders, served on Bismarck City Commission, and St. Mary's High School Carnival Midway Chairman. In 1998, he was Bismarck/Mandan Realtor of the Year, and ND Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year. Also earned US Outstanding Small Business Volunteer, and ND National Guard Military Affairs Certificate of Appreciation.

On May 22, 1981, he married Mary M. Sell in Bismarck. Jack loved taking the back roads to their lake home in Riverdale, to fish Lake Sakakawea. He enjoyed all the holidays, but he especially loved good food and good friends. He taught hunters safety and was very involved with Missouri Valley Shooting Sports.

He is survived by wife, Mary; step-son, Craig Calkins, Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Richard (Margaret) Kavaney, Minneapolis, Minnesota; one niece; two nephews; and countless friends and associates whose lives he touched over the years.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Father Bob Kavaney and James Kavaney.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to the family.