Leo R. Callahan

leo-callahan

Lancaster, WI-Leo Robert Callahan, age 77, passed away surrounded by his family at UW Hospital and Clinics on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. Leo was born Sept. 30, 1939 in Abington Township, Mercer County, IL, the son of Leo C. and Iris (Willits) Callahan. He attended Keithsburg High School in Keithsburg, IL. Leo married the love of his life, Helen Rubin, in Rock Island, IL, on March 9, 1972. He and Helen lived in Keithsburg six months before moving to Lancaster.

Leo traveled the roadways of southwest Wisconsin delivering cement for Lancaster Concrete and Kowalski-Kieler. His career path took him across the street to Lancaster Stone and later Croft Lime and Gravel. Leo's love for driving led to his final job as a driver for Lancaster Ford Mercury. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma more than two decades ago, Leo persevered thanks to his fighting spirit and the extraordinary care provided by Dr. Howard Bailey and the staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Leo's goal was to see his sons graduate from high school. He achieved that goal and so much more. Leo took great pride in his automobiles, whether it be a rusty, trusty 1977 International Scout, or a 1990 Ford Bronco. He enjoyed day trips with Helen, reading books as quickly as possible, and most looked forward to visits from his children and grandchildren.

Leo is survived by his wife, Helen; sons Robert (Breanna) Callahan of Fennimore and Matthew (Meghan) Callahan of Oshkosh; three grandchildren, Mason and Miles Callahan of Oshkosh, and Mira Callahan of Fennimore; and a sister, Janet (Gene) Nylin of O'Fallon, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore. Pastor Pamela Strakeljahn will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Monday evening Oct. 24, 2016 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given to the UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison.