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BORN
1947
DIED
2015
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William Callaghan Obituary
Urbandale
William "Bill" Callaghan, 68, passed away November 16, 2015 at the VA of Central Iowa. He was born February 1, 1947 in Greenwich, CT to John F. and Frances Callaghan.
Bill graduated from Grosse Pointe, MI before moving to Omaha, NE. He earned political science and history degrees at UNO before entering the Army in 1970. After serving in Vietnam, Bill came back to Omaha to attend Creighton Law School. He served as a Prosecuting Attorney in Webster City and Ottumwa, IA before becoming the Law Instructor at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1984 where he served for 26 years.
On July 27, 1985, Bill married Jeanette Wagner in Osceola, NE and they were blessed with a son, John R. Bill enjoyed family, traveling, fishing, cruising, cribbage and watching sports - especially the Washington Redskins.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jeanette; son, John R. of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers, John T. (Sheila), James (Linda), Robert (Andrea); sister, Joan Moline; and many nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA; and the graveside service with military honors on Thursday, November 19 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for distribution to Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and to VA Hospice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Callaghan
November 23, 2015
Jeanette & John,
So sorry to hear about Bill. He was such a kind, caring person and always with a big smile. You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam Condon and family
November 21, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Thoughts and prayers offered for you and your son. Pam McMahon
Tim Chapman
November 19, 2015
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
S.K hockey
November 19, 2015
Mrs.Callaghan,
I am so very sorry for your loss and may he live on in your memories.
Regards,
S.K Hockey
Larry Zahm
November 18, 2015
Mrs. Callaghan and John,
Our sympathy is with you at this sad time. May God's blessings be on you. Mr. Callaghan was a kind and gentle man. He will be fondly remembered. All of us at St. Pius X School are praying for you.
Lynn Smith (Rosborough)
November 18, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing.
Nancy Thompson
November 18, 2015
Joni & family. I have such great and fond memories of Bill. He was the one that came up with my nickname. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Carol Killian
November 18, 2015
Jeanette & John,
I too have fond memories of Bill. He was a very kind and gentle person. My daughter, Kimmie, was in John's class at St. Pius. You are both in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol Killian & Family
MB Seidl
November 18, 2015
Jeanette and John,
So very, very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Bill was a man with a very kind heart, and he showed that to me and everyone I saw him come in contact with. Bill was always so supportive of John, my Matt and all the boys and girls in their SPX class. It was such a good class with great parents and I have very fond memories of those fun years. Bill will always be a big part of those memories. Sending my love and prayers to you both.
Connie Harmeyer
November 18, 2015
I have worked with Joni for quite a few years and many of her stories have began with "My brother Bill..." so I feel like I have gotten to know him over the years. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and hoping those memories will help bring you comfort.
Penny Westfall
November 17, 2015
So sorry to hear of your great loss. Bill was such a special person - funny, intelligent, caring, had wisdom and gave so much to teach those in the criminal justice system the skills and knowledge to do a great job.
Plus he was a great father, husband and friend.
You, John and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
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Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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