Barbara "Barb" S. Callan

Barbara “Barb” Callan, age 68, of La Crosse, WI, peacefully passed away on November 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Emplify Health by Gundersen.

She was born on May 8, 1957 to Lyle and Doris Miller in La Crosse, WI. After graduating from Onalaska High School, she met the love of her life, Charles Callan. They were married on July 19, 1975 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska, WI. Together they built a life and home based on love, faith, and laughter.

Barb was a stay-at-home Mom to their twelve children. She was devoted to her faith, enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching movies, and spending time with her family and dog, Jack. She loved gardening, cooking, baking, and telling old stories. One of her favorite pastimes was going for walks. Spring was her favorite time of year to watch her lilacs bloom and take in their beautiful scent.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Charles Callan. Children, Pat Callan, Chaz (Jill) Callan, Cami Callan, Nick (Mariah) Callan, Elizabeth Callan, Sarah Callan (Matt Schmidt), Joseph (Samantha) Callan, Sam (Claire) Callan, Mac Kenzie (Michael) Galvin, Meghan Callan, Marcus Callan, and Ben Callan. Her beloved Grandchildren, Nolan (Emily), Kayla, Anna Callan, Ellie Callan, Tony Toledo, Trystan Hagen, McCartney and Riley Callan, Kennedy Schmidt, Sophia Vance, Teddy and Grayson Callan, Jasper, Laurel, and Ronan Callan, Phoebe and Derek Galvin. Siblings, Mary (Ron) Phillips, Malcom Miller, Pat (Harlow) Richardson, Tommy Miller, Tim Miller, Julie (Rich) Juel, and Janet Ernst. Sister-in-law, Bernita (Howard) Sheehan, Brother-in-law, John (Kim) Williams, and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents. Siblings, Art Miller, Bill Miller, Mike Miller, and Rich Miller. Father and Mother-in-law, Benjamin Callan and Marie Williams. Sister-in-laws, Karla Miller, Pat (Galen) Romskog. Brother-in-laws, Bill Williams, Paul Williams, Butch Williams, Richard (Sue) Williams, and Albert Locy. Niece, Alexandra Ernst.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral. Msgr. Richard Gilles will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse on Tuesday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, with a Rosary to be recited at 6:45 PM, and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.