Mary Ellen Callahan, 78, of Austin went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ and her husband Walter on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.

Mary was born on Jan. 26, 1933, in Austin to Henry and Bessie Shatek. A lifelong Austin resident, Mary attended schools in Austin and married Walter Callahan on March 10, 1951, in Austin. She waitressed at local restaurants, enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with her family and traveling. Playing bingo and going to the casinos made her smile.

Survivors include five children; Linda (Dave) Butler of Austin, Larry (Debbie) Callahan of Lyle, Laurie (Rich) Sylvester of Rochester, Lanny (Tammy) Callahan of Blooming Prairie and Lois Callahan of Austin; eight grandchildren, Sherry, Elizabeth, Matt, Stacy, Sam, Jessica, Melissa and Tiffany; eight great grandchildren and triplets on the way; special friend Vi Moran and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, parents, five brothers and one sister.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Interment will follow the service in Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at Worlein Funeral Home. Memorials to donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.