Michael Charles Callahan

Michael Charles Callahan of Millville, Utah, passed early in the morning on September 13, 2023.  He was 74 years old.  He was a beloved husband and father, caring neighbor and friend, and an outspoken patriot.  He will be loved and missed immensely.

Mike was born in Washington, D.C. on July 29, 1949, to John Arthur Callahan and Celia Louise Pierce Karl.  Born into a military family, Mike-with his older sister Bunny Callahan and his younger sister Peggy Peterson-moved every few years until he joined the Army at 17 years old.  Soon after entering military service he served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he was a warrant officer and flew helicopter gunships.  He often identified as his callsign, Firebird 95, throughout his life.

After 6 years in the army, Mike left military service briefly to get an education, and then immediately joined the U.S. Air Force as a commissioned officer.  Soon after, while assigned to Hill Air Force Base, he met his lifelong and eternal companion, LuAnn (Gustaveson) Callahan, and they were married on November 18, 1976.  They were sealed in the Salt Lake City temple on November 26, 1977.  In addition to LuAnn, Mike is loved and remembered by their three children, Lars Callahan, Erin Callahan Nisonger, and Patrick Callahan, and their 9 grandchildren.

After many, many family moves and a distinguished 28-year career in the Air Force, Mike retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997. His last assignment was in Alaska, which they called home from 1991-2011.  In addition to a rewarding second career as a project manager and executive, he loved being on ski patrol every weekend at Alyeska resort, and the beauty and grandeur of Alaska.

In 2011, it was time for warmer climes, so Mike "retired" again, and he and LuAnn moved to Millville, Utah, where he served on city council and as water master, and they both served locally as service missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at 110 S. Main St., Millville, Utah, on Saturday, September 16, 2023.  Viewing will be available from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Mike will be laid to rest later that day in the Riverdale Hill Crest Cemetery in Riverdale, Idaho.

Services will be streamed live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcEnc17zWhxKX_RZG0x9zdA/