William "Bill" Callaghan
November 16, 2015
William “Bill” Callaghan, 68, passed away November 16, 2015 at the VA of Central Iowa. He was born February 1, 1947 in Greenwich, CT to John F. and Frances Callaghan.
Bill graduated from Grosse Pointe, MI before moving to Omaha, NE. He earned political science and history degrees at UNO before entering the Army in 1970. After serving in Vietnam, Bill came back to Omaha to attend Creighton Law School. He served as a Prosecuting Attorney in Webster City and Ottumwa, IA before becoming the Law Instructor at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1984 where he served for 26 years.
On July 27, 1985, Bill married Jeanette Wagner in Osceola, NE and they were blessed with a son, John R. Bill enjoyed family, traveling, fishing, cruising, cribbage and watching sports – especially the Washington Redskins.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jeanette; son, John R. of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers, John T. (Sheila), James (Linda), Robert (Andrea); sister, Joan Moline; and many nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA; with the funeral service and military honors on Thursday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for distribution to Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and to VA Hospice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
The Kindred Family
01/01/2016
We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your husband, Mr. Callaghan. With each new day may God give you (Ps.34:18) the strength to cope. He touched the lives of many others and will be sadly missed.
Greg Life
11/25/2015
I met Bill while he was an assistant Wapello county attorney. It seems like not long ago but has been many years. I practice in Oskaloosa Iowa and would usually have the opportunity to see and visit Bill when in Ottumwa. He was always pleasant and kind. I've seen the term gentle giant when referring to Bill and that was so true. I have thought of him often over the years but unfortunately for me have not seen him since he left Ottumwa. A good man who will be missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dan Stein
11/23/2015
My deepest condolences to the family in the loss of a brother, husband and father. Bill was always a friend to everyone he met. We will all miss him.
Barb Stence 107 basic
11/22/2015
Bill was very kind and I enjoyed the lessons he taught us. Rest in peace, knowing you touched many officers over the years.
Kevin Bullington 160th Basic
11/20/2015
It was a privilege to have Mr Callaghan as an instructor at ILEA. Heart felt prayers go out to his family during their time of grief.
Marc McConnell 158th Basic
11/19/2015
I was privileged to have Mr. Callaghan as an instructor at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in the 1990's. I learned a great deal from him and know that he has impacted many future Law Enforcement Officers. My prayers are with you during your time of grief.
Shirley Craig
11/19/2015
I was privileged to work with Bill and he was a super boss! He caught a big bass at our farm pond and he was elated! God Bless and comfort you in your loss!
Joan Jamison
11/19/2015
Jeanette and family,
My prayers and condolences are with you at this time. I know what it is like to lose a loving husband. You are a strong person and will cope. As ever, Joan, a former music teacher.
Tony Cavanaugh 191st Basic
11/19/2015
You know when you meet someone in life who leaves an impression on you and has a positive impact on you and it stays with you forever? Bill was one of those people to me and I'm sure to many others as well. So many great memories at the academy in 2003. Bill was an excellent instructor and was an even better person. It was an honor being his student and his friend.
Tony Walter 192nd
11/18/2015
I still have a neck tie that Mr. Callaghan gave me on graduation day. He even autographed the back of it for me! A great man, and one of my all time favorite instructors!! He will be missed!!!
Holly Jacobsen 174th Basic
11/18/2015
Prayers to his family & friends. He was a great instructor who was knowledgable but most importantly passionate and humorous!
Bob Schaut
11/18/2015
Stunned to hear about Bill passing away. We had many good times together and spent many hours at the Academy training. Bill was there for me during some difficult times in my life and it saddens me to hear the news. Rest in peace my friend.
David M. Lewis 99th Basic
11/18/2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family! Bill was a great instructor and a great person, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him!!
David Kuntz
11/18/2015
I worked with Bill for 5 years at ILEA rounding up volunteers for scenarios. During that time and years after I am so proud to have him as a friend. He was like a father to many, many people. I am going to miss the big guy.
Dan Cotterill 230th basic class
11/18/2015
As an Englishman at the ILEA, Bill was very kind helping me to learn and understand the amendments in and out of class. He had a way about him, a kindness and a great sense if humor. My condolences to his family, you'll be missed by all.