Neil McCallum Jr.

MADISON - Neil McCallum Jr., age 95, passed into eternal life on Friday, June 3, 2022, with his wife, Patricia, at his side. He was born on March 19, 1927, in Fond du Lac, Wis., to Neil McCallum Sr. and Hazel McCallum (nee Buehner).

Because of the war, at the young age of 16, Neil began working for the Soo Line Railroad as a yard clerk. This launched his lifelong interest and passion for railroading and trains.

Neil graduated from Portage High School and later attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1944 and served in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned to work for the Soo Line Railroad in Fond du Lac.

In 1956, Neil left the railroad to begin a new career with the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department as a State Trooper (Wisconsin State Patrol). He patrolled the Fond du Lac area until he moved to the Madison office where he took a position in management. He retired from the State of Wisconsin in 1991.

Neil was a loving and devoted family man. Even after so many years together, he still enjoyed having a second cup of coffee after breakfast with his soulmate, Patricia, in the living room to discuss the day’s events. His kind and compassionate heart was legendary, as was his positive outlook on life. He had a wonderful sense of humor which was enjoyed by all who knew him. Even his sister-in-law, Doris, called him a one-of-a-kind gem, and he readily agreed with her!  He loved traveling, cheering on the Packers and Badgers, playing cards, visiting with friends and family, savoring chocolate, and expanding his collection of trains. He was a proud member of the MacCallum/Malcolm Clan, and the Soo Line Historical Society.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia; son, David McCallum; step-son, Paul White; daughter, Nancy McCallum; grandchildren, Neil Moll, Rachel Moll, Courtney (Mark) Carlin; and Shannon (Charles Leichtfuss) McCallum; great-grandchildren, Malcolm and Miles Carlin; many nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Hazel McCallum; daughters, Melody McCallum Moll, Cindy McCallum and Brenda Southwood; and brothers and sisters-in-laws, Betty (Marvin) Kinkel, George (Marylin) McCallum, Keith (Marion) McCallum and Doris (John) Kaltenberg.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and also at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, 1021 University Ave., Madison, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. A funeral service will be held at the church on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow the service at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 County Highway BB, Cottage Grove on Thursday.

Neil’s family would like to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for the loving care given to Neil.

Neil left a legacy of love, family, kindness, and generosity that will live on. We are better people for having known him, and he will remain in our hearts forever.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” -- Helen Keller

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420