Obituary of John David Callans

John David “Dave” Callans, age 82, of Joliet, passed away peacefully Monday morning, October 1, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving, devoted family.

Dave was born July 12, 1936 to the late John and Frances (nee Salmon) Callans in Bloomington, Illinois. The family moved to Joliet in 1950, and Dave graduated from Joliet Catholic High School, Class of 1954, and Lewis University, Class of 1958. In high school, at age 15, he met Yvonne, the girl he would eventually marry.

Dave and Yvonne were married November 28, 1959. For nearly 59 years of marriage, they made their home and raised seven children in Joliet. During his very full life, Dave loved nothing more than his wife and family.

Dave was an active parishioner and volunteer in the parish of St. Raymond’s. Since 1985, he provided companionship and wisdom to his friends at various A.A. meetings. He served in the Marine Corps, worked at Turco Products and Cornerstone Services, and after retiring, he volunteered at The Upper Room Crisis Hotline. Throughout Dave’s life, people knew him for his friendliness and kindness. His easy, gentle nature inspired others.

Dave valued a simple life and cherished simple things; the Cubs, Braidwood beach, daily Mass, his garden, walks with Yvonne, making sausage, camping, grilling hamburgers, a funny story or saying. Among all the things, places and people he loved, his wife and family meant absolutely everything to him. Dave adored Yvonne, and they took care of each other. To his children, he was a gentle caregiver, coach, chauffeur, medic, teacher and role model. He lived a devoted Christian life as a loving spouse and father.

Dave is survived by his wife Yvonne (nee Vogrin); his children, David (Melissa) of Washington Crossing, PA, Patrick (Cathy) of Issaquah, WA, Mary (Dan) Gathof of Glen Ellyn, Michael (Rhonda) of Joliet, Nancy (Dan) Fisher of Aurora, Joseph (Chris) of Issaquah, WA, and Susan (Andy) Bartels of Joliet; 23 grandchildren, Chris (Jess) and Lauren Callans, Morgan and Mckenna Cliver, Jonathan (Raquel), Matthew and Molly Callans, Rachel, Jacob, Rebecca and Annie Gathof, Alyssa and Paige Callans, Anna, Josh, Aaron, Sarah and David Fisher, Brian, Jason, Megan, Stephanie and Carrie Callans; one great-grandchild, Elliot; and brother, Thomas (Pat) of Ft. Myers, FL.  

Dave is preceded by his parents, John and Frances, and his brother, Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the Cathedral of  St. Raymond in Dave’s name.

Visitation for Dave will be held Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet. Funeral Services will be held Friday, at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment at St. Patrick Cemetery will follow.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com