John Patrick (JP) Cahill passed peacefully in the night on Monday, August 3, 2020, next to the love of his life in the comfort of his family home. John; a loving husband, an amazing father, a loving son, a wonderful uncle, a genuine friend, and a great man in both the eyes and hearts of all he met.
JP was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on August 6, 1964, the 3rd child and 1st son to Ann and John Cahill. As a Navy family, they moved around a lot, ending up in Virginia and the Philippines before settling on the family farm in Kasota, MN, in 1969. JP went to school at St. Peter High School in St. Peter, MN, and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Computer Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato. JP was an entrepreneur and dreamer at heart, having moved around the US working in Oklahoma and Atlanta, where he met the love of his life, Lori. To appease Lori on their first date, they went to see the animated film “Aladdin” and they knew it was meant to be. After meeting in Atlanta, JP and Lori moved to California and later married in Hawaii.
JP could make friends wherever he went- whether in college, St. Michael, MN, work, or his lake place. His enigmatic personality and humor made him loved by family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers he’d just met. He had a million stories and you could always count on him to make you laugh, keep the mood light, and the banter on. He had big plans and even bigger dreams for his family, having recently purchased property in Northern Minnesota where he loved spending time with family and friends at their “Shabin”.
JP was an incredibly hard worker, respected by colleagues as he worked and consulted on technology and software system implementations with numerous companies, including Braun Intertec, Raven Industries, and currently Smartcare. He had a gift for taking a stressful experience and making it manageable and enjoyable for everyone he worked with. JP operated a small business before transitioning to independent consulting, a great role for him given his natural talents in solving problems and charming people. He was a gifted public speaker, knowing how to walk the line between making people cry and laugh, or sometimes cry because you were laughing so hard.
JP sacrificed a lot for others. He’d give you the shirt off his back or stop by to help without ever needing to be asked. He was humble and interested in other people’s successes instead of his own, always giving credit to other people for doing a great job. He never backed away from a challenge, and wore many hats – husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, coach, colleague. All of his experiences came with new people, new challenges, and new friends, and he never shied away from anything. And he never missed an opportunity to tell Lori that he loved her.
JP was incredibly dedicated to his family, and helped any of them with whatever they needed – stepping in as a father figure, coach, wedding officiant, camping buddy, mentor, or just lending an ear. He would help anybody however he could – family, friends, coworkers, strangers- without asking anything in return. As an example of JP’s dedication to his family, JP and Lori settled back in Minnesota in the early 90’s to support JP’s dad for just “a couple years”, and continued to support his mother with whatever she needed today to stay on the family farm. JP was always there for his family, but he’d also keep you honest with a joke or four along the way. JP’s last weekend with us, the extended family was fortunate enough to get to spend a weekend together for a family wedding, with JP as the officiant. It was JP in his absolute element- being with his family, supporting them, joking with them, and getting up in front of the crowd to tell stories.
JP was a rock for his family, supporting each and every one of them: His loving wife Lori, and much loved sons Jonathan Ryan and Connor Cahill; his mother Ann, whom JP helped with whatever she needed; his dear siblings Terri (Steve) Knudson, Jean Trangsrud, and Jim (Ann) Cahill. JP always supported his family and went above and beyond as a favorite uncle for his nieces and nephews, who will miss him greatly: Kristi Knudson, Jessica (Donny) Zappetillo, Jordan (Matt) Klug, Michael Knudson, Katie (James) Powers, Meghan Trangsrud, Johnny Trangsrud, Eric Cahill, and Ellie Cahill. JPs optimism, energy, care, and humor influenced all of his family members and they hope to enjoy life as much as he did. JP will be joining his dear father, John Cahill, and brother-in-law, Doug Trangsrud, in heaven.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 3:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM, at The Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St N, St. Michael, MN.
Due to today’s COVID restrictions, we will be having a private family funeral service at 3:00 PM; but we are welcoming all family, friends and coworkers to a public visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at The Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St N, St. Michael, MN.
Honorary casket bearer is Johnny Trangsrud.
Casket bearers are Jonathan Ryan Cahill, Connor Cahill, Michael Knudson, Meghan Trangsrud, Larry Brown, Mark Pelant, Tim Allen, Jordan Klug, and Kaitlyn Powers.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael/Albertville Funeral Home. 763-497-5362. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Lori, Ryan, Conner – I have such a heavy heart for JP and family. The obituary is awesome and so accurate – he was an incredible husband, father, and friend!! Like so many others, I am blessed to have called him friend and our family is so grateful for the relationship that we have had with the Cahill family. My thoughts, prayers, and extended love are with JP and all of you!! God Bless, Matt T
Lori, Ryan and Connor,
I am so saddened reading this. JP was such a nice guy. He always had a smile on his face and made everyone around him feel comfortable. We haven’t seen you guys in a while but cherished the times we spent together when the boys were young. He adored his family that was always very evident. He was a great guy!
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Mahler’s
Jim, Diane, Blake, Tyson and Melaina
Lori, Ryan and Connor
I am very saddened to read about JP’s passing. He was such a nice guy and always made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. He always had a smile on his face. I cherish the many memories we had when the boys were young hanging out. We had many good laughs. JP was a great husband and father. You could always tell his family was his priority and he adored each of you. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
The Mahler’s
Dear Lori, Ryan, Connor, & the Cahill Family:
The Hase family is stunned and heartbroken at your loss and we offer our sincere condolences. Our grief is assuaged only by our memories of JP as he lived his life – a magnificent husband, father, friend, and role model. We are grateful that we were given the opportunity to get to know & love him.
Brian Hase & Family – Kirsten, Tristan, Ryan
Lori, Ryan & Connor,
We are deeply saddened & devastated by the passing of JP. We have so many fond memories of him hanging out at the Tracy’s! You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time! 🙏❤️🙏 Hugs!
Lori, Ryan, and Connor,
Where there is great love, there is great loss. JP’s passing will be felt by all who were lucky enough to know him. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.. he will be missed. I am holding you all in my heart.
Lori, Ryan, and Conner:
The Hamanns are all grieved at the heaviness of your loss. My heart goes out to you all during this difficult time. I pray that you find comfort in the cherished memories of the great husband and father that you had in J.P. I am confident that his legacy of love and dedication to life’s endeavors will be passed on for generations. -Ren Hamann
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
John was a great team member at Smart Care over the last 18 months. He was always approachable with a smile and he was so proud to bring in Connor to help with the project for a short time. It was fun seeing Connor and John at lunchtime. You could tell that John was always enthusiastic to teach Connor all his wisdom. John will be greatly missed and our deepest sympathy to the Cahill family and all who knew him.
To the Cahill Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, I had the pleasure of working with John for the last year and he was always so helpful and kind. It was always a pleasure to start my day catching up with him both about work and family related topics.
The obituary provided so much insight into John as an individual and family member, the love he shared with so many is inspiring. I wish you all the best in what must be a very difficult time.
All my best – Bill Schmelzer
Lori, Ryan and Connor:
So very sorry to hear of the sudden loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you manage during this difficult time. Sending love your way,
The Stanton Family
Lori and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. JP sounded like an amazing person. Sending you thoughts and prayers through this difficult time and may your fondest memories carry and support you.
Lori, Ryan and Connor
So sorry and shocked to hear this. JP was a great guy, wonderful coach and friend to all. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Lori, Ryan, was Connor:
The Hanson family is so sorry to here of JP’s passing. He was an incredible man. We loved getting to know him and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I had the privilege of working with JP at N’compass. I enjoyed working with him. Blessings and peace to your family.
Dear Lori,
I am so sorry for your loss of JP. I’m thinking of you and sending you thoughts of strength.
Lori, Ryan and Conner,
We are so sad to hear about JP. We always remember his constant smile. We are praying for you all during this very difficult time.
Dearest Lori, Ryan and Connor,
Your father and husband was one of the greatest men I have known. It is rare to read an obituary that truly is able to cover the depth of one. This is exactly who your dad and husband was, to so many. Generous is heart, time, and filled with compassion. I will always remember times watching your dad love you and your mom. JP was one of a kind-tender hearted, thoughtful and an example of what true love looks and feels like. He will be missed by many and never forgotten.
Dear Cahill Family, I had the pleasure of working with John the past year at Smart Care. Right from the start he displayed so many of the admirable qualities shared in his obituary. Always quick to help, always knew how to turn around a tense situation and put our team at ease. He was also extremely humble, and always quick to give others credit and be an incredible mentor for many on our team. He is dearly missed.
My deepest sympathies to the Cahill family and his friends.
I hope you have found true peace JP.
🙏😇
Lori, Ryan and Conner,
Forgive my lateness on this, I only found out about John last night. I truly want to express my condolences for your loss. John was such an amazing man. I worked with him in Sioux Falls on the Raven project. I very much admired John’s abilities as a project manager. The way he mentored and coached people was amazing, he brought out the best in people. We spent many many lunches and dinners together, talking about anything and everything. His love for all of you showed when he talked about his family which he did very often. He was so excited by the new vacation property and the opportunity to build another dream. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.