
Sean D Callahan
May 10, 1990 - February 09, 2017
Obituary
CROSS PLAINS- Sean D. Callahan, age 26, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017 surrounded by his loving family after a life long battle with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. Sean was born on May 10, 1990 in Madison. Sean graduated from Middleton High School in 2009. Sean is survived by his parents David "Mike" and Denise (Dresen); brother Derek; sister Sara (Julius); nephews Cameron and Kannon; niece Quiana and goddaughter Emma Judd; grandparents Stella Dresen, Dale and Darlene Tieman; Bill and Emilie Bau; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Sean was preceded in death by his grandparents Richard Dresen, David and Naida Callahan, Ann Spencer and Godfather Jerry Malec. Sean modeled bravery, strength of spirit and courage while he lived a life of physical challenges related to Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. A skilled artist, Sean could look at any object and draw it. His artistic gifts brought joy to everyone. He was a Brewer, Badger, Buck and Packer fan, Wisconsin through and through. The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. - Carey, Beth, and the CNAs and also thanks to Father George, Father Tom Kelley, Dr. Dan Jarzemsky and the Cross Plains Clinic, Dr. Mary Schroth and Dr. William Ehlenbech for their loving care and support. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11 AM on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 from 3 PM until 7 PM and also on Monday from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM prior to the Mass. Our family appreciates your memorials and support during the loss of our son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin and friend Sean Callahan. In lieu of thank you notes we will make a monetary donation in Sean's name to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc., MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), American Family Children's Hospital of Madison, and/or St. Francis Xavier Endowment fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church Street
(608)798-3141
Events
Visitation
Sun Feb 12, 2017 @ 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (Cross Plains) • 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, WI 53528
Visitation
Mon Feb 13, 2017 @ 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM CDT
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (Cross Plains) • 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, WI 53528
Mass of Christian Burial
Mon Feb 13, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (Cross Plains) • 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, WI 53528
Photos
No photos of Sean have been shared yet.
Memories
JS
Jane Straub
Other •
Our heart is breaking for Sean's family, please accept our condolences. Aunt Jane and Uncle Chuck.
JW
Jane Wyngaard
Other •
Dear Denise,
I'm so sorry and am sending loving, healing thoughts and condolences to you and your family.
Jane Wyngaard
WC
Wayne Cook
Other •
Although I didn't have the fortune to spend much time around Sean, I know he showed great spirit and had true grit. My sincere condolences. --Wayne Cook
TD
Tammy and david
Other •
Such a blessing to have, and such a short time on earth. Doesn't seem fair but he is happy in heaven and he will want you to smile again. He will always be with you. Prayers to your whole family. Tammy and David Jarrett Corey and kaytlyn
JA
Jenna Archer
Other •
Absolutely heartbroken to hear the news about our dear classmate, Sean Callahan, passing away.
Whether or not he realized it, Sean was a fundamental part of my and so many of my friends' childhoods and lives.
After hearing this news, I sent a group text to some of my closest Park pals (Holly, Katey, Jamie, Megan, Kayla), and we all shared the same fond memories of Sean.
I first met Sean in 1996; we were in Mrs. Cunningham's Kindergarten class together at Park Elementary School. He was friendly, cute, funny, and LOVED sports.
Sean eventually wore leg braces, but that didn't stop him from enjoying the hell out of recess and gym class. He put every kid to shame in soccer, and according to Katey, he was an awesome player on her dad's co-ed Teeball team.
I recall learning about his diagnosis of muscular dystrophy later that school year. I have vivid memories of the day he first came to school in a wheelchair, so he could practice using it before it was a full-time necessity. One of the aids, Ms. Urban (infamous stickler on finishing your milk carton at lunch), would help him get around in his wheelchair. I remember thinking she was much less scary after seeing how tender she was with Sean :)
One of my favorite memories of Sean was during our annual music program with the legendary Mrs. Blakeley. We were singing the Banana Boat Song (Day-O), and everyone passed bananas in unison towards the back row, where Zach Roberts & Sean sat; Zach wearing a very large straw hat, and Sean holding a big woven basket, singing and laughing together as Zach placed each banana into Sean's big woven basket. By the end of the song, most of us were were red-faced from giggling and singing so hard...my cheeks hurt just thinking about it.
As the years passed, Sean's wheelchair eventually became a permanent fixture at school. So did his father, Dave. I have endless respect and admiration for Dave Callahan, as well as Sean's mother and brother, all of whom placed such high priority on caring for their son & brother.
Fast forward to senior year of high school. Sean and I had Drama class together. He participated in every exercise and skit that were required of us, with enthusiasm and grace. In between skits, Sean and I would chat Badger sports and he would explain what they could do better in the next game.
Sean was an incredibly gifted artist; I'll never forget his intricate drawings that he could free-hand sketch with ease.
Sean, you were always an angel on earth, and now you can be freed from your earthly life, and lifted into your own paradise. I imagine you'll spend many days running into the Kohl Center, Camp Randall, and onto Lambeau Field.
Your spirit will live with everyone who knew you, forever. Sending love and light to your dear family. I hope they can find comfort in knowing you will forever be by their side; just as they were for you. ❤️
ME
Maureen Erickson
Other •
Prayers to your family and my sincerest condolences. I worked with this darling young man many years ago. His intelligence and warm, kind heart will not be forgotten. Maureen Erickson