Daniel J. Callahan, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and lifelong resident of Greeley, Nebraska, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at his home in Greeley at the age of 77.

Daniel Joseph was born on September 25, 1948, in Greeley, Nebraska, the son of Charles E. and Dolores J. (Smyth) Callahan. A graduate of Sacred Heart High School in 1966, he remained deeply rooted in his hometown throughout his life.

Dan was united in marriage to Grace Lucy McQuillan on October 11, 1969. They made their home in Greeley and together raised their family of four, Cheryl, Craig, Keith and Tim.

Dan started his career at Callahan Farm Supply with his father, Charles and brother, Gene before founding Dan's Fertilizer Inc. Following its sale to Spalding CO-OP, he worked as a freelance carpenter for several years. He then spent over twenty years at SE Smith and Sons and concluded his professional journey at Community Builders, retiring in 2018.

A devoted member of Greeley Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Dan was committed to his community. His involvement included the Greeley Service Club, Greeley Days Bike Rally, Greeley Irish Festival, and Greeley Rodeo. He also served as a Kerry Court board member and led as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

Dan enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, watching birds and word search puzzles. He was an enthusiastic follower of the Little League World Series and enjoyed John Wayne movies and classic western TV shows. His fondest moments were spent on road trips with his best friend, Mike McGuire, porchin’ with the love of his life, Grace, making memories with his children and being the best Papa to his eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. 

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Grace of Greeley; a daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Mike Wagner of Lincoln; two sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Tara Callahan of Valley and Tim and Amanda Callahan of Omaha; eight grandchildren, Nicole, Jadyn, Gavin, Reilly, Haley, Kelly, Keegan and Jameson; one great granddaughter, Tahani Grace; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Marty and Kim Callahan of Greeley and Tom Callahan of Lincoln; brother-in-law, Ed Brown of Tennesse; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Keith Callahan; infant grandson, Devin Wagner; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Barney and Helen Callahan and Gene and Faye Callahan; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Ann Brown, Margaret and Duff Swain and Mary Jane Callahan; brother-in-law and best friend, Mike McGuire and many other family members.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley, Nebraska. Father Mark Maresh and Deacon Paul Nordhues will be the Mass Celebrants. Inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Greeley, Nebraska. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. The Rosary will be recited on Monday at 7:00 p.m. by Deacon Paul Nordhues.

Memorials are suggested to the Family's Choice.