SGT Sean Callahan
June 14, 1985 ~ February 18, 2017
SGT Sean F. Callahan, 31, of Cedar Rapids, died unexpectedly on February 18, 2017. Visitation: 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at Veteran's Memorial Building, 50 2nd Avenue SE, (Mays Island), Cedar Rapids, with a Rosary at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Church, 857 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids. Interment with military honors will follow at St John's Cemetery, 1340 17th Street SE, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Sean was born June 14, 1985 to John (Gary) and Ruth Callahan of Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Metro High School in 2005. Prior to enlisting in the Army, Sean worked and made lifelong friendships at Alter Metal Recycling, Donutland, and at various establishments of equally various tenure, including handling animals for a traveling carnival.
Sean enlisted in the United States Army in March 2008 as an M-1 Armor Crewman, 19K. He deployed in December 2009 to Iraq as part of Operation New Dawn, with 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Georgia. Following his re-deployment in December 2010, Sean was reassigned to Fort Irwin, California with 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he trained units for deployment. Sean's final duty station was Fort Hood, Texas assigned to III Corps headquarters as the ceremonial flag custodian.
Sean's love of the outdoors was his passion in life and included: camping, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, hunting, trapping, and all manners of weaponry. He took special interest in sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with family and friends.
Sean was preceded in death by his grandparents John P. and Mary Callahan of Cedar Rapids and Jerome and Catherine Croghan of Manning, Iowa.
Sean is survived by parents, John G. and Ruth of Cedar Rapids; sisters, Tammy of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Rachel and Claire of Cedar Rapids; brothers, Joseph of West Allis, Wisconsin, Alan of Mason City, Iowa, Andrew (Elizabeth) and James of Cedar Rapids, 11 nieces and nephews, and many, many dear friends locally, nationally and around the globe.
Sean's impact on those who knew him simply cannot be measured and the absence of his infectious smile and quick wit will be deeply missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
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The love I had for your son, Callahan family was like no other. Not only was he hands down the funniest person I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and having as a part of my life. Such a strong willed passionate individual. To say I am saddened by this loss is obviously and understatement and I also know you will read, hear and see these words many a times but please know when I say I am so sincerely sorry for your loss I know what it’s like to lose a close family member, I have no children so I can’t know how horrible that loss is but just know that he was loved by so many, was the maker of so many laughs, smiles and stories I refuse to let die (like when he fell from the ceiling while working at KFC fooling around like he did). Well wishes and positive thoughts and vibes to you’re entire family today, tomorrow and everyday.
Sean, I miss you already so much, more than words will ever be able to express.
Love and will Miss You Brother! I keep it together for the most part at Fort Irwin because of brothers like you! I wish you were not gone it pains me to the core! Never forgotten in my heart R.I.P my brother!
John, Ruth and family,
Please be assured that all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers as you walk this painful journey of losing a son, brother, uncle and friend. No words can be said to heal your painful loss; but please know that our faith in the Risen Lord can be a hopeful reminder for all of those who believe in the promise of eternal life.
“Eternal rest grant onto Sean, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon Sean.
May Sean rest in peace.
Amen.
May Sean’s soul and the all the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.”
Deacon Bob and Barb Hurych
How very tragic and sad. May you find peace in your memories. Our deepest sympathies.
Brian, Stacie, Jessica and Taylor Croghan – Templeton, IA
Ruth, I’m so sorry for you and your whole family. Robin Mehaffey
Ruth, I hope your family will be comforted by the wonderful memories of Sean to honor his life. La Vera
Ruth, So sorry for your loss. Losing a child has to be one of the most heart breaking experiences in life. May your family, friends, and former associates give you support and understanding.
Marge Helsell, Retired Library/Media Facilitator – CRCSD
In a short amount of time Sean had become my best friend. He would have done anything for me and me for him. The laughs we had that were so hard that we would cry will be forever cherished. I loved him with every ounce of my being and I am deeply saddened to hear he’s gone. May you find peace.
-Kayla
You knew no enemy. I hope your family can find comfort in this tragic loss, and look forward to seeing you again someday.
Gary – So sorry to hear about the loss of your son, Sean. My deepest sympathy to you and all of your family
Larry Callahan
Taken away before life had truly began and with so many great things to look forward to. Brother you will never be forgotten and we will meet again someday.
Ruth & Gary, & family, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you in your grief. We did not know until Sunday night. You & Sean are in our thoughts & prayers. Your cousins, the Kirlin family.
I miss you so much, brother. If only you had just called me. Knowing that this world persists without you is the greatest loss I’ll ever know.