Caidyn Vincent O’Haver
September 16, 2012 - March 13, 2026
Our Caidyn “Monka” was born into eternal life on Friday, March 13, 2026. He was the first born to Brandyn Drew O’Haver and Talina Janelle Caldwell on September 16, 2012 in Racine.
Caidyn was handsome, gentle, kind, easy going, athletic, and just plain wanted to make you laugh. He was in the 7th grade at Gifford school where he participated in cross country, track, volleyball, and basketball. Along the way, he made so many special friends, way too many to mention by name, but know we definitely heard about all of you.
Basketball was one of Caidyn’s greatest passions. Not only did he play for school, but he also played for Racine City Park and Rec, the Y-Bray Center, and the Racine Heat Travel Team. This was no surprise as he always talked and dreamed about becoming professional one day. Caidyn once wrote, “It involves hard work and determination. You have to be a team player.”
Caidyn was incredibly curious and loved learning. He was an unending source of random knowledge. He was so proud that he taught his Gigi that Egypt was actually in Africa. Believe it or not he knew most everything about dinosaurs, aircraft, and pro basketball player stats and fun facts.
So, it didn’t stop there. Caidyn loved his dad’s special taco night on repeat, Dad’s 3 pancake, 1 egg, 3 sausage and 3 bacon weekend breakfasts and movie night with Dad, Grey and a bag of movie snacks. Caidyn also loved to cook. He has tasted about every spice in the kitchen drawer. He also loved family, friends, VR gaming, watching for a special moon in the night sky, fishing with Papa, motorcycle rides with his dad, learning all about and working on cars, and hiking the trails at Petrified Springs with Dad, Mom, and Grey. As you can sense dad and Monka were the tightest best buds. Inseparable.
Just some random fun facts you might not know about Caidyn:
- His favorite color was blue
- Favorite snack was Hot Chili Pepper Lime Takis and Flaming Hot Cheetos, hands down
- Bill Withers was his rhythm
- At night he would find his Gigi doing her chores in the kitchen or laundry room and talk her ears off with his random knowledge just to share and of course avoid bed time
- And, yes, those shoes were a size 14
Caidyn leaves to cherish his life, love, and memories, Dad + Mom, brothers + sisters, Jhaleo, Greysen, Kemiya, Kamiylah, and Violet; grandparents, Kyle “Papa” + Cindy “Gigi” O’Haver and Willie Caldwell Sr. + Loretta Lacy; aunts and uncles, Cynthia (John) Schwellenbach, Zachary O’Haver, and Dallas O’Haver, Carrie (Willie) Freeman, and Willie Caldwell, Jr.; cousins, Gianna, Giselle, Isabeau, Massimiliano Schwellenbach, and Blakely O’Haver, Ariana (Jaylan) Clay, Adar Freeman, and Xander Caldwell; so many other dear relatives, teammates, classmates, coaches, and special friends - too numerous to mention everyone by name.
Among the things on his bucket list, Caidyn wrote he wanted to, “Change the world in a positive way,” “Save someone’s life,” “Slow down retina disease cells,” and “See the Northern Lights.” So, to honor Caidyn we encourage everyone to show kindness and check in with those you know and love. And most importantly, if YOU or someone you know or love is struggling, please, please, please reach out. Help Caidyn save a life.
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Please call, text, or chat 988 (24/7) Support
The National Youth Crisis Hotline
(800)-442-HOPE (4673)
A Public visitation for Caidyn will be held at Draeger - Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 4-7pm. A Private Mass of Christian Burial and interment will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Please wear your favorite basketball jersey or simply Caidyn’s favorite color blue, but most importantly, just come as YOU. For those who wish, you may contribute to the GoFundMe link created. All contributions go directly towards funeral and memorial expenses for Caidyn’s unexpected passing.