Joseph Callahan

Joseph Francis Callahan, “Joe”, 85, of Crystal Lake, entered into eternal life Tuesday, March 11, 2014 to forever join his beloved wife Shirley Callahan.

He was born on September 14, 1928 to John and Anne Callahan in Chicago.

Devoted father of Mary Eileen (Mark) Pfeiler, Patricia Ann (Edward Ehmpke) Blaida, Jeannette Marie Callahan, Joseph Francis (Maria) Callahan Jr., and Julianna Joan Callahan; beloved grandfather of Jason (Karla) Pfeiler, Mark Joseph Pfeiler, Brittina Whiting, Leanne Whiting, Michael Ehmpke, Joseph and Michael Callahan; great-grandfather of Keira, Kiley, Kailynn and Emma; dear brother of John (late Rosemary), Patrick (Barbara) and Maurice (Yvonne) Callahan and Mary Rita (late James) Joyce.

Joe was a retired Naval Officer (CDR) and was a graduate of DePaul University, Chicago. Joe joined Sears, Roebuck and Co. in 1944 and held various marketing and finance positions for 44 years, where he eventually became Director of Headquarters Merchandising Systems. After retiring from Sears in 1988, Joe joined the Art Institute of Chicago, retiring from there in 1993.

Joe continued working with several local businesses in the community and volunteered much of his time. He was a co-chair of many groups in which he found time to individually help people going through crisis situations. Others always came first with Joe. He was a great father, friend, mentor, and leader and will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation: 3-9p.m., Friday, March 14 at Davenport Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rt. 176), Crystal Lake IL, 60014.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11a.m., Saturday March 15, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rt. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Woodstock.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

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