Dareld “Neal” Callan of Alliance passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022, at the age of 100. Neal was born April 7, 1922 in Indianola, Ne., to Henry and Mildred (Wolfe) Callan. He graduated from Curtis High School in 1940.
Neal was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during WWII, from 1942-1946. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and Antartica, and helped to build the Alcan (Alaska-Canada) Highway.
Neal married Anita Unger on, October 12, 1947, Columbus Day. He always joked that Columbus took a chance so he figured he would too. They enjoyed 60 wonderful years together.
Neal worked for Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company for 38 years, before retiring in 1985. Neal was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lifetime member of the American Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Communication Workers of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, was a WW II Veteran, and a member of the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.
His family was his pride and joy and loved nothing more than spending time with them. He loved going to their sporting events, on and off the court. He loved the game of golf, bowled for years, played some tennis and baseball, was the Welter Weight Boxing Champion in the NSA in Curtis Ne., in 1941 and continued boxing in the service as entertainment. Neal and Anita loved to travel and made friends every where they went.
Neal was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anita, Daughter Sharon Brennemann and son Randy Callan.
He is survived by his son, Ron (Cindy) Callan of Orleans, Ne.; daughter, Sandy (Mark) Hissam of Alliance, Ne.; his sister, Lila Zoltay of Firestone, Co.; and 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.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks for the help and care to the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department and the staff at Box Butte General Hospital. A special Thank You to Rickey Lore for your gentle care and compassion.
He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and will always be remembered as a Kind and Loving person.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cards of condolence may be sent in care of his family to: Sandy Hissam @ 672 W. 20th Street, Alliance, Ne., 69301.
A private interment will also be at a later date.