John Callan

John D. Callan, 74, of Topeka, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 27, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Friends are welcome to join in a celebration of John’s life on Tuesday when he will lie in state from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. Family will greet friends from 6:00-8:00. A parish rosary will be recited at 6:30 and a Knight’s of Columbus rosary at 7:00. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 Wednesday at the church with interment following at Mount Calvary Cemetery. John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Josie, and their son, Patrick, of Topeka, daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Mark Turner of Salina, and grandchildren, Joe and Callan Turner. Other surviving family members include sister-in-law, Rosie Palumbo, and brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Mary Anne Palumbo; nieces, Maureen, Diane and Nancy and nephews, Tom, Terry and Dave. John was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa of the late Azella and Joseph Callan. His was preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby, Joseph, Paul and William and a sister, Mary Edwards. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Cedar Rapids in 1947 and graduated magna cum laude form Loras College in 1956. A United States Navy veteran, he served in the Korean War as a hospital corpsman. John was a soft drink industry executive for 40 years and most recently in advertising. John will be most sorely missed for the many leadership roles he played in many service organizations including: the Optimist Clubs of Cedar Rapids and Topeka, the Topeka Heartland Sertoma Club, the Topeka Chapter of the Serra Club, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 8411, Mary’s Rosary Group and the Topeka St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Besides a lifetime of care and concern for his family and friends, John served others in countless acts of charity including as a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at Topeka’s Veterans Hospital. He was truly “his brother’s keeper”. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Marian Clinic, 1001 SW Garfield, Topeka KS 66604, or in John’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice. Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Callan

September 27, 2003