Obituary of Daniel J. Callahan

Daniel Joseph Callahan Age 82. Passed away peacefully March 27, 2017 at Holy Family Hospital in Des Plaines, IL with his family by his side. Daniel was born November 24, 1934 in Montgomery, IL to Daniel J. Callahan, Sr. and Evelyn (nee Yoesle) Callahan. He was the second of three children. He was raised in Morris where he received his elementary education attending Immaculate Conception School. His secondary education was completed in Ottawa first at St. Bede, and then graduating from Marquette High School in 1952. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years. While serving in the Air Force he met and married his one true love JoAnn (nee Olson). On June 28, 1958 they began their married life in Rapid City, South Dakota, before returning to Morris. Together they raised three children, Karen Jean (Mike) Doughan of Winston Salem, North Carolina, Kevin Michael (Colleen) Callahan of Morris and Kenneth James (Pamela) Callahan of The Colony, Texas. Along with his beloved wife JoAnn and children he is survived by three granddaughters, Amy (nee Doughan) Josh Clark, Stephanie (nee Doughan) Jeffrey Barcelona and Lindsey Doughan and two great-granddaughters, Callahan Marie Clark and Madeline Louise Clark and a nephew, Michael Callahan. Daniel worked for the Corp of Engineers as Lock Master at Dresden Island Lock and Dam until his retirement in 1989. When he achieved the position of Lock Master in 1971 at the age of 36, he was the youngest Lock Master to do so. Daniel also worked for the Grundy County Sheriff's office at first as a road deputy under Sheriff Jake Olson and most recently as court security. Daniel was one of the longest employed member of the Sheriff's office serving 43 years when he retired in January 2014. An avid fisherman, he also enjoyed working with his hands whether it was wood working or refinishing antiques. He also enjoyed gardening, canning and making preserves. A civic minded person he served as police commissioner of the City of Morris from 1998 to 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Jean Callahan, who died in childhood and a brother, Charles Eugene Callahan. Funeral services for Daniel Joseph Callahan will be Saturday, April 1, 2017 from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 (at Deerpath Drive) Morris at 9:15 a.m. to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 E. Jackson Street where Daniel was a lifelong member. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m Fr. Ed Howe will officiate. Following his funeral Mass cremation rites will be accorded with private inurnment to take place at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Morris at a later date. Visitation Friday 4-8 p.m.at the funeral home chapel. For information (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com