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.
Carolyn Farrell-Moody
11/18/2015
Bill took pride in his profession here at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and was a very kind and respectful soul to all he met. He adored his wife and family and was thankful for his many blessings. We will miss him and his genuine kindness.
Brian Brinkema, Independence Police Captain
11/18/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You touched the lives of many and will not be forgotten.
Patrick Wilson
11/18/2015
I am so sorry. Bill taught me many things as a young attorney. I always thought of him as a gentile giant. He gave me his old oak desk which I sat behind for over 25 years. A good man.
Randy Price
11/18/2015
Condolences to Bill's family and loved ones. Bill was a great person and instructor at ILEA. He was personally one of my favorites and always had time for his students. RIP Bill knowing all the good you did for your local law enforcement community! 185th ILEA Basic
Jay Hoekwater
11/18/2015
Bill was a very fine gentleman and kind soul. It was an honor to be his friend.
Lou & Stan Blew
11/18/2015
Jeanette, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sharing with you the loss of someone so special to so many. Lou & Stan
Aaron Batchelder 174th Basic
11/17/2015
Our sympathies. Such a great instructor and great man. He always went above and beyond to help students. I especially enjoyed those dreaded runs during PT as he would join us. We all had such respect and admiration for him.
Steven Day Sr.
11/17/2015
I was telling someone the other day about our antics while at ILEA. Bill's name came up in one of those stories. He was a good man.
Chief Michael McConnell, 99th Basic
11/17/2015
My sympathy to the family. I remember Bill well from the classes he taught during the 1st Basic Jail course and the 99th Basic course. I always appreciated the way he was able to relate legalese to new recruits. He will be missed.
Nancy Brady
11/17/2015
My sincere sympathies to Jeanette, John, and the entire Callaghan clan. Bill was truly one of a kind, always fair, always honest - he told you what he thought and even if he disagred with you, he did so kindly. Bill's care and concern for our students was always his priority.He was fun and funny and took plenty of practical jokes in stride. May the angels lead you into paradise, Bill. Nancero
Lonny Pulkrabek, Johnson County Sheriff
11/17/2015
My sympathies to all of Bill's family. I too was one of those many pupils influenced by Bill at ILEA back in 1986. He was an excellent teacher and well respected man.
Kary Kinmonth
11/17/2015
Mr Callaghan brought his wit and sense of humor teaching the "boots" about the law. We had many fun and spirited debates.
The best compliment I can pay to Bill is he made attorneys likable to a room full of cops.
RIP Bill. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. With your professionalism and integrity you have shaped Iowa Law Enforcement for decades.
Terry Brauch, Ret. Clive PD
11/17/2015
My deepest condolences to the family in the loss of this great man. I was able to assist Bill when he was overseeing scenarios for recruits going through ILEA. It was an honor to assist him in this. Bill was always friendly, good natured and was a friend to everyone who met him. I pray that God will give you the comfort you need and the memories you have to get you through this difficult time.
Sue Henderson
11/17/2015
Mr.Callaghan was a great teacher. He used to help us with criminal law, and then eat our cookies! He was a great man!
Chief Tim Leathers ILEA 202
11/17/2015
Our deepest sympathies for everyone. Mr Callaghan was an incredible instructor with a heart of gold. His knowledge and wisdom will be greatly missed, but most of all the friendship that he has with everyone. Our lives are better by having him in it.