Thomas Edward Callahan

Thomas Edward Callahan, 91, Aniwa, passed away peacefully in the early morning on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Mount View Care Center in Wausau.  He was born June 3, 1931 in Wausau, to the late James and Marie (Tetzlaff) Callahan.

He graduated from Wausau High School and enlisted in the Navy, where he served for four years and was a Korean War veteran.

Thomas married Shirley Wandtke on July 6, 1957.  They were married for 24 years and had five children.

He worked for the Milwaukee Road for an impressive 38 years, retiring at age 59.  He spoke often of his many friends made on the railroad.

Thomas was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 388, Wausau and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.

He was a hardworking father who supported his cherished family.  He enjoyed all the special moments spent with his children and grandchildren.  Thomas treasured his friends and touched the lives of many people.

Thomas enjoyed many sports.  If he wasn’t fishing or deer hunting, he was watching NASCAR races, and above all, his beloved Green Bay Packers.  He enjoyed working outdoors, cutting firewood and blazing new trails on his 75 acres.  He also had a lifetime love of John Wayne movies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce (Eddie) Ross; and grandson, Kyle Callahan.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Shirley A. Callahan of Weston; three sons, Bruce M. Callahan of Wausau, Brian J. Callahan of Aniwa and Bradley T. Callahan of Tomahawk; two daughters, Brenda S. (Jeff) Plautz of Wausau and Beth C. Callahan of Oshkosh; ten grandchildren, Ethan Plautz of Wausau, Sara Plautz of Milwaukee, Andy Plautz of Dallas, TX, Krysta Kleman of Oshkosh, Devin Kleman of Oshkosh, Calvin Callahan of Tomahawk, Shannon Callahan of Wausau, Sean Callahan of Wausau, Jennifer Callahan of Plover; and one great-grandchild, Levi Kleman of Oshkosh; sisters, Joan Callahan, Jean (Joe) Lella, Jacqueline Kroll, Judy Krueger; and brothers, James and Jay Callahan.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.  Visitation will be on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  Military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 388, Wausau.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com