Merlyn J Callahan

Merlyn J. “Murphy” Callahan, age 90 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.

Merlyn J. “Murphy” Callahan was born December 6, 1926 in Voss Township, ND, the son of the late William and Bessie (Bruce) Callahan. He grew up and attended school in Forest River, ND, graduating high school in 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1944-1946. Following his discharge he attended Aakers Business College until 1948. He was united in marriage to Harriet Holt on May 31, 1947 in Grand Forks, ND. The couple moved to Grafton in 1947 where he began working in the Shoe Department at the W.W. Reyleck Store. He was part owner of the store from 1948 until the store closed in 1995.

Murphy was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church, the Grafton American Legion, the 40 ET 8, the VFW, Grafton Fraternal Order of Eagles, Grafton Golf Club, the Grafton Culring Club and the North Dakota Officials Association, officiating basketball and baseball for 25 years. He served on the City Council from 1974 to 1990, 10 years as the Council President, the Board of Trustees of Unity Medical Center, as director of the Valley Ambulance and served on the Grafton Parks and Rec. Board for 30 years. He was named the Outstanding Citizen of Grafton in 1990. One of his greatest joys was watching his children and grandchildren in all of their activities.

Murphy is survived by his children: Colleen “Kande” (Patrick) Koehmstedt, Grafton, ND, Jody (David) Clemens, West Fargo, ND, Patricia “Patsy” (Robert) Gust, Karlstad, MN, Nancy Callahan, Grand Forks, ND and Paul Callahan, Grafton, ND; 15 grandchildren, one step grandchild; 29 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren; brothers: Mike (Sue) Callahan, Grafton, ND and Marvin (Ardis) Callahan, Mayville, ND and sister-in-law Jean Callahan, Fargo, ND. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Harriet, brother Morris Callahan and sisters: Margaret (Al) Bolster and Marie (Joe) Cowley.

Funeral services will be Monday, January 23, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the U.S. Naval Honor Guard. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.