Richard J. 'Dick' Callaway
March 04, 1927 - September 23, 2011
Obituary
MADISON-Richard J. “Dick” Callaway, age 84, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on March 4, 1927, in Evanston, Ill., the son of Joseph and Janet Callaway. Dick married Marilyn Gunderson on Aug. 3, 1985 at Silver Islet, Ontario, Canada. Upon graduating from La Crosse Central High School, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After graduating from law school at UW-Madison in 1956, he practiced law for 35 years before becoming a Dane County Circuit Court judge in 1990, retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Wisconsin Boxing Team while at the UW, and he cherished the memories and lifetime friendships from that experience. Dick had many passions including flying, skiing, golf and scuba diving, and especially his cottage in Canada. His love of music, particularly jazz and classical, came in part from his ownership many years ago of the Tiger Lounge on State Street in Madison. Dick touched many people in his life, and he will be fondly recalled and dearly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; sons, Steven (Michelle), John Howman (Laura Gille), R.J. (Beth Wambold), Jon (Melanie), and Greg (Rebecca) Gunderson; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Janet Callaway; and his brother, Robert. In a nod to his military service and his love of flying, there will be a celebration of his life at VFW POST 8483, 5737 County Highway CV, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, or a charity of choice. “There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.”~George Santayana
In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, or a charity of choice.
In a nod to his military service and his love of flying, there will be a celebration of his life at VFW POST 8483, 5737 County Highway CV, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011.
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Memories
HW
Howard & Carol Willson
Other •
Great guy with always a story. We will miss seeing Dick and his beloved dog heading out for the dog park every day.
JB
James R. Beer and Olga A. Beer
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Dick was a wonderful man full of life and a joy to be with. My wife, son and I always treasured the time spent together at the Judicial meetings. He had an outstanding reputation as a fair judge who listened to all sides of every case he had in his courtroom. We will miss his humor and steady hand.
WJ
William D. Johnston
Other •
Judge Callaway was a person with varied interests and professional achievements which he shared with those he knew. His optimism and take on life's matters will be missed.
JL
Jack Leissring
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