Garry O'Callaghan

Garry O'Callaghan Jr., 92, died February 22, 2011 with his loving wife and family by his side at Edgewood Vista Retirement home, Fargo, ND. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Friday, February 25, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Garry was born on September 6, 1918, at the family ranch in Buchanan Valley Township in Emmons County, North Dakota Hazelton. Garry, the eldest son of Garret and Eliza Clark O'Callaghan, and his brother, James, felt privileged to grow up in the "beautiful wide open spaces of North Dakota." He was raised on their "pioneer farm" as his father and grandfathers were original homesteaders. On July 27, 1941, Garry married Frieda Pauline Grenz and they raised two sons, Allen and Larry, on the family ranch northwest of Hazelton, ND, where they farmed from 1945 to 1984. Garry was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, Masonic Lodge and Elks; president and member of the Hazelton School Board; and a member of the Hazelton Presbyterian Church. He was one of the first farmers to introduce irrigation to the Emmons County area, and was a founding member of the Missouri Slope Irrigation Development Association. Frieda died from a farm machinery accident in 1980. They were truly farming partners as she provided a great amount of help with Garry. Through mutual friends, Garry met Mabel Nordine Hedstrom and on February 4, 1984, they married. They enjoyed traveling and spent many winters together in New Mexico and Arizona. When residing in Bismarck Garry and Mabel welcomed family and friends into their home and enjoyed gardening together. In their early years dancing was an enjoyment they shared. He was also engaged in many wood working projects: building tables, wall hangings, clocks and numerous other items. In 2007 they moved to Fargo to be nearer to family. Both Garry and Mabel enjoyed watching the "weather channel" and were always conversing on a day-to-day basis about what they were hearing in the news. In Garry's last hours, Mabel was the devoted and loving caregiver that she was in their 27 years of marriage. In Garry's later years he became computer savvy and spent many hours at his desk documenting his life stories with words and pictures. In 1996, he published his memoirs, "A Pioneer's son – A Country Boy's Life." As a proud veteran, Garry left poignant memoirs in his publication, "Memoirs of Garry O'Callaghan: My 1462 Days in World War II." Both were written with love and are wonderful gifts to his family! Garry hated war but was very proud to have served his country. He loved his family and will be missed by all that knew him. Garry's military service was from 24 Sep 1941 to 12 Oct 1945 with rank of PFC, Tech/5, Corporal. He served in World War II, Army, Japanese Southeast Asia Theater, Artillery, Forward Observer, Okinawa, 97 days combat. He received Service Awards for Good conduct medal, expert shooter, Asiatic Pacific medals with star, seven gold overseas bars, with 116 combat days. Garry is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mabel Nordine/Hedstrom O'Callaghan, Fargo, ND; two sons, Allen Elaine, Omaha, NE and Larry Marilyn, Fargo, ND; brother, James O'Callaghan, Des Moines, IA; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Tara Chad Kalal and Harper & Luca, St. Petersburg, FL; Brennon Shelly O'Callaghan and Elizabeth & Devon Garry, Maple Grove, MN; Ryan Casey O'Callaghan and Caelan; Starlyn Joshua Green and Adella; and Keenan O'Callaghan, all of Bozeman, MT. Garry is also survived by step-grandchildren/great-grandchildren Nelson; Heidi Vince Williams and Brooklyn, Fargo, ND; Joshua Jill Nelson and Chloe, Talia, Brayden & Aubree, Fergus Falls, MN; Cody Michelle Nelson, and Camry & Carter, Casselton, ND; and many very special nieces and nephews. Preceded in death were parents: Garry and Eliza Clark O'Callaghan Sr., and first wife, Frieda Pauline Grenz O'Callaghan who passed away in 1980. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Eastgate Funeral Home, 2302 East Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck, ND.

Garry O'Callaghan

September 6, 1918 - February 22, 2011