William Patrick Callahan

WESTPORT –William P. "Bill" Callahan was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. He has eternal life in Jesus Christ, by grace. Bill often said, "God doesn't love us because we are good, but because He is good." Bill was born on Feb. 16, 1924, in Mellen, Wis., the son of Joseph and Isabelle (Ruberg) Callahan. He lost his first mother when he was five years of age. His father gave him the gift of a second mother when he married Amy (Rupp) Callahan. The family then moved to Kenosha, Wis. where they grew to a family of nine children. Bill graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha. He was a talented artist and was thinking about studying for commercial art. Bill was in a serious automobile accident when he was 19, which turned out to be a life changing event. Bill married Jane (Spitzer) Callahan on Sept. 22, 1951, and they settled in Madison where they raised two children. He worked most of his life as a meat department manager, including a number of years as co-owner of Bill's Supermarket in the Shorewood Shopping Center. Bill enjoyed fishing, golf, travel, playing cards, and of course the Green Bay Packers Bill is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jane; son, Robert (Sheryl) of Virginia Beach, Va; daughter, Terri (Donald) Johansen of Madison; grandchildren, Nova Callahan, Brady Callahan, Kyle Cepek, and Cameron Cepek; brothers, John (Elinore) Callahan and Thomas (Gereene); sisters, Rosemary (Robert) Paske and Colleen (Peter) Callahan; sisters-in-law, Patsy Callahan and Nancy Callahan; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles, Timothy, and Patrick; and sister, Donna Sorensen. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 Noon, on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, with Pastor Michael Erdman presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Memorials may be gifted in Bill's name to Habitat for Humanity or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Madison. The family would like to express their love and deep appreciation to Bill's extended family for their love and support and many acts of kindness, especially in the last two years of his life. The family would also like to express their appreciation for the excellent care provided to Bill by the staff of Waunakee Manor. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420