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, taking trips up north to his cabin, and 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 his brother, Raymond Callow; grandchildren, R.J. Callow, Randy (Alexie) Callow, Rachel Callow, Evan Callow, Dalton Callow, and 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.
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
