Obituary of Jack N. Callahan

Jack N. Callahan passed away peacefully on March 27, 2019. He was only 89, but as he liked to say "I would have been older, but I was sick for two years."

He was born to Arthur and Mae (Neander) Callahan on November 24, 1929 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis. After his parents' deaths he and his sister moved to Duluth and were raised by their aunt and uncle, Ethel and Martin Brown.

Jack graduated from Duluth Central in 1948. He married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor (Blomberg) Callahan and they celebrated 62 years of marriage, until her death in 2010.

Jack retired from NW Bell at the age of 54, after being employed there for 32 years. This allowed him and Eleanor to travel in their motorhome around the country.

He enjoyed fixing clocks, watching movies, reading, feeding the birds, having an occasional stogie along with a BV H2o, listening to country music and having a "succulent" meal.

Jack was a history buff with a great memory. He had a penchant for telling stories, jokes and giving everyone nicknames. He was the definition of a "people person." Jack was very proud of his Irish heritage. We sure are going to miss him and his smiling Irish eyes and of course his jokes.

He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Scottish Rite, Army Guards, Lake Avenue Loafers and the Sons of the Desert (Laurel and Hardy Fan Club).

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; his beloved son, Michael J. Callahan; his parents; his Aunt Ethel and Uncle Mart; his sister, Marillyn Persch; in addition to many other family members and friends.

He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his children, Bill and Marsha (Rick) Callahan-Ness; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very special friend and companion, Julia Wehmas of Menahga, who along with her family gave him so much love and attention.

In memory of Jack, plant a tree, feed the birds, learn some history, smoke a cigar or tell one of his jokes. Peace and blue skies, Dad.

Gathering of family and friends from 2 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service Monday, April 15th in the Cremation Society of Minnesota Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth.