Dareld “Neal” Callan passed away on April 16, 2022 in Alliance, Nebraska at the age of 100.
He was born April 7, 1922 to Henry and Mildred Callan in Indianola, Nebraska. He graduated from Curtis High School and went on to attend the Nebraska School of Agriculture, graduating in 1941.
Neal enlisted in the United States Army in 1942. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and Antarctica. He entered as a medic, went on to driving heavy trucks to transport Army supplies and equipment in Alaska and Canada. He also served as a Military Policeman. He helped to build the Alcan (Alaska-Canada) Highway. Neal was honorably discharged in 1946.
Neal married the love of his life, Anita Unger, on October 12, 1947 (Columbus Day). He always joked that Columbus took a chance so he figured he would too. They were married 60 years. As a loving and devoted husband, he took care of her after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s until her passing 10 years later.
Neal worked for Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company for 38 years before retiring in 1985.
Neal had a love for the game of golf. He also loved kicking up his heels on the dance floor with his beautiful wife, watching his grandkids and great-grandkids play sports, and just traveling. He loved taking backroads just to see something different. Didn’t know where it would lead to, just knew it had to come out somewhere. Neal was also the Golden Glove Boxing Champion in the Welter Weight Class.
Neal was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Communication Workers of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Alliance Volunteer Fire Department and a WWII Veteran.
Neal was preceded in death by his wife, Anita, his daughter, Sharon Brennemann and his son, Randy Callan.
He is survived by his son, Ron (Cindy) Callan of Orleans, NE, his daughter, Sandy (Mark) Hissam of Alliance, his sister, Lila Zoltay of Firestone, Colorado and his sister-in-law, Marlene Unger of Apache Junction, Arizona.
He was the proud Grandfather to Carri (Jay) Redmond, Josh (Heather) Nason, Tiffani Hissam (Jared), Jami (Adam) Helmbrecht, Kori (Matt) Lentell, Chris Callan (Renee), Michael Horn and Jeremy (Charmaine) Callan and Great-Grandfather to Kinley, Samantha, Jaycee, Zander, Colton, Kowen, Nash, Addison, Bailey, Keinan, Kaitlyn, Jacob, Grace and Judah and the Great-Great Grandfather to Kylan and Kingston. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including his special golf buddies, Garry, Darwin and Tim.
His cheerful attitude and bright smile will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Neal will be at a later date. Cards may be sent in care of Sandy Hissam, 672 West 20th Street, Alliance, NE 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com