Elizabeth Ann 'Betty' Callahan

Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Callahan, 80, died Sunday morning, June 28, 2015 at St. Luke's Medical Center. She leaves behind her four children, Cheryl, Linda, Colleen, and John (Audrey), as well as four grandchildren, a great-grandson, extended family, and lifelong friendships. Born on October 16, 1934 to German immigrants,Johan Forster and Elisabeth Anna Hirmer. Betty lived in Chicago until 18, after the untimely passing of her parents, and relocated to the lakes area, living and working with family at the Gargoyle restaurant in Lake Geneva where she met her future husband, John "Jack" T. Callahan. They moved to Delavan in 1955 and bought and operated what came to be known as Callahan's 800 Bar working side by side, until 1965, at which time, they sold and established Eastside Furniture which they operated jointly until Jack's death in 1980. . After his passing, she continued until 1990 when she sold the business. Betty's relatives also owned and operated the Arizona Inn for a number of decades, and Betty and Jack, and later their daughters, pitched in working there, and the extended families held many of life's celebration parties there. Through her life, Betty remained extremely close to her children and loved the community in which she lived. She and her husband were supporters of local businesses and local interests. She was a Lady Elk for a number of years, until health issues slowed her down. She greatly loved all her animals and her one-too-many cats, her dogs, as much as she loved a lively debate. Funeral services are 11am Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Betzer Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Dineen officiating. Burial will follow in St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11am. Friday. Memorials to Lakeland Animal Shelter, POB 1000, Elkhorn,WI. 53121 . Service Information Friday, July 3rd, 2015 11:00am