Christian Biography of Bruce Calahan

Bruce Don Calahan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Utica, Nebraska, on July 4, 2025—his 64th birthday. He was born on July 4, 1961, at 11:25 a.m. at Reed Hospital in Deshler, Nebraska, to Don and Rosa (Deterding) Calahan.

Bruce was baptized on July 30, 1961 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Deshler, moved to Carleton, Nebraska at the age of 2 with his family, and was confirmed on May 11, 1975 at Zion Lutheran Church in Carleton. While growing up, he carried newspapers and worked various jobs for local farmers, especially the Langes. He attended Carleton Public School through the 6th grade and attended Bruning Public Schools where he graduated in 1979. He worked with Jack at Blunk Feed Service until he found the love of his life.

On June 14, 1986, Bruce married Jean Campbell, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in South Sioux City, Nebraska. They lived in Lincoln, Nebraska while Bruce still worked for other Purina Dealers and custom feeding hogs. Bruce and Jean joined Southminster United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska on January 3rd, 1988.

Bruce became a stay at home dad to care for Katie and John, doing odd jobs on the weekends. He later returned to work at Lincoln Poultry, working nights for 12 years until he quit to resume his career as a stay at home dad for his other two children, Rebecca (Becky) and Emilee (Lee). Bruce spent the rest of his days at home finding peace in gardening and woodworking, and had a special interest in collecting railroad and Purina memorabilia - a reflection of his fondness for history and tradition

He adored his four grandchildren—Craig, Zachary, Henry, and Donny—who brought immense joy and light into his life. Whether playing games, sharing stories, teaching, or lending a helping hand, Bruce's quiet strength, sharp wit, and mischievous sense of humor left an enduring impression on those around him.

Bruce is remembered with love by his wife Jean and their children: Katie and her partner Jesse Millspaugh of Lincoln, Nebraska (Craig, Zachary, and Henry); John and his wife Autumn of Ottumwa, Iowa; Rebecca and her partner Godfrey Lim of Lincoln (Donny); and Emilee, who remained close to home in Utica. He is also survived by his sister, Vicki Williams and her husband Robert of Superior, Nebraska; sister-in-law Janice Meyer and her husband Robert of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and sister-in-law Nancy Calahan of Phoenix, Arizona; as well as many additional relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Rosa Calahan; his brother, Scott; his sister, Lisa; his in-laws, Lee and Alice Campbell; and his brother-in-law, Jonathan Campbell.

Services at: Zion Lutheran Church, Carleton, Nebraska
Time of Service: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 am
Clergy: Rev. Beth Roegner
Burial: Carleton City Cemetery, Carleton, Nebraska
Memorials to: Zion Lutheran Church
Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 Phone 402-879-3900