Joseph Cavlovic

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Joe Cavlovic, 89, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

Joe was born March 18, 1936, in Sopcic Vrh, Croatia to Mijo and Ana (Sopcic) Cavlovic. Joe’s life journey took him to Austria, Germany, and Canada, where he married Kathy (Zeljeznjak) on September 28, 1963, before moving to the United States, settling in Kansas City and raising a family.

Joe and Kathy lived life to the fullest and were blessed with two children: son Michael and daughter Ann (Sissy).

Joe worked as an Aircraft Mechanic for Trans World Airlines (TWA) in Kansas City, then for American Airlines until his retirement in 2002. He was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers - Local 1650.

Joe was very proud of his Croatian heritage and was an active member of the Croatian American Social Club of Kansas City, the Croatian Catholic Union Lodge 75/Croatian Fraternal Union 3075, and St. John’s Catholic Club.

Joe was an avid international traveler who made sure his family experienced the world. His hobbies included gardening, riding his tractor around his property, making homemade wine and sljivovica, sausage making, Sunday afternoon cornhole with cold beer, and spending time with his family, who he was most proud of.

Joe is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathy; son Michael (Lori) Cavlovic, daughter Ann Cavlovic; grandchildren Nicholas (Liz) Cavlovic, Michaela (Tyler) Newell; step-grandchildren Tyler (Kayla) Dinsmore, Carly (Ethan) Sweetser; great-grandchildren Layton, Layne, Noah, Larkyn, Jack, Jackson, Jordy; brother and sister-in-law Ivan and Ljubica Cavlovic; sister-in-law Zorica Cavlovic (Croatia); many nieces and nephews around the world and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ivan and Ana Zeljeznjak, brothers Franjo (Zdenka), Janko; sister Marica (Nikola) Bert.

Joe will especially be remembered for his love of life, hospitality, and friendly nature to everyone he met. Joe welcomed every guest with warmth and ensured they had a drink and helping hand from the moment they arrived. Sadly, our family and community has lost a great man who never knew a stranger. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Thursday, December 4th, at St. John the Baptist Croatian Catholic Church, 708 N. 4th Street, KCK. Visitation 11:00am-12:30pm, followed by Rosary. Funeral Mass at 1:00pm followed by graveside service at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, KCK.