Michael F. Callahan

Michael F. Callahan

Nebraska City, NE

Michael F. Callahan, age 80 of Nebraska City, NE, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln, NE.

Michael Francis Callahan was born on September 5, 1945 in Oakland, CA in a military hospital, the son of John Patrick and Mary Margaret (Magirl) Callahan. He attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and Regis High School in Cedar Rapids, IA, graduating with the Class of 1963. Mike then attended Iowa State University and Loras College before enlisting in the United States Army in 1970. During his time in the Army, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marycrest College in 1971 and was their first male RN graduate. He later earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Health Science Center in 1984.

On June 12, 1971, he was united in marriage to Rosemary Mohr at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf, IA. Mike served in the Army for

23 years. During his career as an Army nurse, he served in many locations, including two posts living in Germany with Rosemary. He retired on August 31, 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After his retirement from the military, he continued his nursing career as Director of Nursing for St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City and finally as a Staff Nurse and Nighttime Supervisor for George C. Grape Hospital in Hamburg, IA.

Mike had a soft spot for animals and as a child and college student had a pet raccoon and ferret. Dogs were his favorite pets during his stateside military years.

In his earlier years, he employed his love of music by singing in a quartet and playing guitar. While stationed in Germany, he learned the language and loved being with people of all nationalities and heartily participated in beer fests and cultural festivities. He and Rosie participated in hundreds of Volksmarches (an organized non-competitive walk or hike, usually 5k or 10k), which resulted in a large beer stein collection.

Mike had a deep love and caring for others, was a compassionate nurse and went the extra mile for others. He was generous in many unseen ways and didn’t like attention brought to himself. He was an avid fisherman (especially ice fishing), enjoyed using his metal detector and in recent years played Pokémon GO, catching them all! Mike had a special bond with his nephew, Captain Andrew Callahan. He loved talking sports and a wide variety of other topics with his brothers, over a beer, at Waubonsie State Park.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary Callahan of Nebraska City, NE; brothers: John Callahan (Ruth) of Cedar Rapids, IA and Kevin Callahan (Jackie) of West Branch, IA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and other family and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother James Callahan.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamburg, IA.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamburg, IA, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City, NE, or CHI St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation.

Condolences may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City, NE and Hamburg, IA are in charge of arrangements.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island Arsenal, IL.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City, NE. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.