William "Bill" Callaghan
November 16, 2015
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Service Details
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.
David James ILEA 220
11/17/2015
It was very sad to the hear of the passing of Mr. Callaghan. He was a great instructor that passed on his knowledge of the law to many of us. He made his lectures enjoyable with his personality and teaching style. May his family, friends, and associates be blessed with grace and many happy memories.
Brandon Trapp
11/17/2015
Great man! Always looked forward to having class with Bill. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
ILEA 205 Basic
Roger Phelps
11/17/2015
My deepest sympathies to the family ! May you have peace knowing Mr Callaghan lives on in the spirit of every Law Enforcement officer he instructed !
Tim Brown, ILEA 136th
11/17/2015
When I entered the Academy he was "Mr Callaghan". Years later he became "Billy" and my friend. My deepest sympathy to his family on the loss of this fine man. He will be missed. "Goodnight sweet Prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
J. Ripperger ILEA 218th
11/17/2015
Mr. Callaghan was a great instructor, and will be missed. My sympathy to your family.
Kelly Hamilton, ILEA 134th
11/17/2015
Mr. Callaghan left an impression on any police officer who attended ILEA and we are better because of it. Blessings to the Callaghan family.
Wendy Russell
11/16/2015
My deepest sympathy and all my prayers go out to you all.
May Billy be with the Angels and you all are in my heart