Service Details
Per Fred’s wishes, arrangements will be private. A Celebration of Life is planned for a future date. The family is being attended by Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
Frederick (Fred) James Callow, 83, passed away at home on April 18, 2026, surrounded by his family, his flowers, and his birds.
Fred was born on March 11, 1943 in Elgin, Illinois to Charles Osmer (Ozzie) and Lila (nee: Gillmore) Callow, eventually settling in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The majority of Fred’s working life was spent at Johns-Manville in Waukegan, Illinois until his retirement in 2001. He enjoyed working in his yard, trips up north to his cabin, photographing deer, birds, and other wildlife. Fred was a bowler, gardener, especially of flowers, played horseshoes, enjoyed looking for treasures at rummage and yard sales, but especially enjoyed spending time with family and playing pool with the grandchildren.
Fred is survived by his partner, Claire Brown; his sons, Fred E. (Tina) Callow, Richard J. (Tracey) Callow, and bonus son, Charles (Kelly) Brown. He is further survived by brother, Raymond Callow; grandchildren, R.J. Callow, Randy (Alexie) Callow, Rachel Callow, Evan Callow, Dalton Callow, Sam Callow; bonus granddaughter, Madelyn Brown; three great-grandchildren, Anastaseya, Carter, and Aubriella Callow; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ozzie and Lila; brother David Callow; and sister and brother-in-law, Donna and LeRoy Boettcher.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Robert Cronk and the staff at the Froedtert South Cancer Center, to Dr. George Poullette, and to Hospice Alliance for their kind and compassionate care.
John and Valerie Rigert says
So sorry to hear about Fred, our condolences to you and your family.
Joe Hyde says
My condolences to Rick and Fred and the rest of the Callow family. Growing up next door to Fred was a blessing. From playing basketball with him and his sons, learning about his pigeons, and watching him work on his old Ford. Fred was always willing to help us with our bikes when we were kids and I believe he taught me how to ride a bicycle. As I got older he taught me how to ride a motorcycle on his kids dirt bike. Spring time seeing his tulips line his driveway was a pleasant sign that winter was finally over.
Howard Barbara ALWARDT says
I worked with Fred for many years at Manville. He used to stop by when we were out in the front yard and just stay there and talk. We will be out at the thrift store my wife and I and we were running into Fred or just Thrifting to find our treasures. He was a great man and he will be missed.
Bill Henthorn says
I have so many great memories of me and Fred. To Claire and Ray and the rest of the family. I can’t imagine how you must miss him. We all know that someday we will be put to rest. But still so sad when we are. RIP buddy