Robert John Callahan

Robert John Callahan: June 7, 1927- Feb. 8, 2011 A man of character, integrity, and love and devotion for Christ. An active member of the Catholic Faith, he led his family with these traits and an abundance of optimism and humor. His legacy leaves his loving wife of 60 years, Joan Claire LaPlant Callahan, 6 children and their spouses, Mary Blaisdell (Jerry), Erin Blum (Les), Kevin Callahan (Jill), Timothy Callahan (Mary Ann), Michael Callahan (Barbara), Kathryn Oldenkamp (Ronald). He is also survived by 18, grandchildren: Anastacia (Loren) Blum Ross, Maria (Kevin) Blum Flynn, Noah (Suzie) Blum, Patrick (Alyssa) Blum, Alexandra Blum, Colin Jenkins, Jocelyn Jenkins, Mark (Stephanie) Callahan, Nikki Callahan, Galvin Callahan, Ona Callahan, Erika (Charles) Oldenkamp Malik, Stephanie Oldenkamp, William Oldenkamp, Kelly Callahan, step grandchildren: Andy (Andrea) Hess, Ben (Shannon) Hess, Brandon (Jenny) Hess. 9 great-grandchildren: Xander Owen Blum, Mason, Olivia, Graham Ross, Lily Connor Flynn, and Sean Callahan. Step grandchildren: Alexa, Drew, Annabelle, Michael, Brayden, Addison Hess. Bob was raised in the grocery industry at Callahan Grocery started by his father located at Broadway and Walnut in Green Bay. He served in the US Navy South Pacific arena and then returned to co-found Badger Wholesale, Inc. with his father in 1950 now known as Badger Food Service. He was also a co-founder of Nugget Food Distributors of America; past President of the North Side Kiwanis and Nicholas Council of Boy Scouts of America and earned the highest award, the Silver Beaver Award. He attended St. Patrick’s Grade School, Central Catholic High School, and Badger School of Business. His love of life and his outgoing personality made him many, many special friends and surrounded him with a wonderful, loving extended family all over the country. Special thank you is extended to the loving staff of Santa Maria Nursing Home and the physicians and hospital staffs that have cared for him these past years. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew St., Allouez from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00a.m. Saturday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, officiated by Rev. Kenneth DeGroot, O.Praem. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to Bob’s family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In memory of Bob Callahan, all memorials will be divided between St. Matthew and St. Willebrord Catholic Parishes.