TAMA-Rondal Gene Callahan, age 73, of Tama died Sunday, March 7, 2010 at his home under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Reverend LaVern Seth officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 9 from 5 to 7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.
Rondal was born on May 19, 1936 in Mt. Pulaski, IL, the son of Roy and Gracie (Allen) Callahan. He was united in marriage to Delight Plowman on December 4, 1954 at Lincoln, IL. Rondal worked for the Tama Paper Mill for over thirty-six years, retiring in 1995. He also had a roofing crew for several years. He was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping. In addition, Rondal had a large flower bed and was especially proud of his roses. He was also a talented wood worker. Rondal's greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Richard Lynn Callahan; one brother Richard Haskel Callahan; and one sister, Anna Lee Callahan.
Survivors include his wife Delight Callahan of Tama; four children, Rita (Dan) Malcomson of Newton, Deb (Jeff) Roberts of Tama, Tim (Patty) Callahan of Tama, and Mike Callahan of Tama; ten grandchildren, Deanna (special friend Doug) Slaven, Brian Slaven, Adam DeVilder, Andrea Malcomson, Kristi Callahan, Brandon Callahan, Misty Kvidera, Dustin Kvidera, Dakota Kvidera, and Bonnie Purk; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladys Letterle of Mt. Pulaski, IL, one step-brother, LeRoy Callahan of Des Moines; two sisters-in-law, Janet Callahan of Lincoln, IL and Frances (Wilmer) Twit of Cornville, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial fund has been established.