Fred Callesen
Obituary
Lifelong Watsonville resident Fred Callesen died on Dec. 17 at his home in rural Watsonville. He was 90.
Mr. Callesen was the eldest son of Fred and Marie Callesen. He attended Notre Dame grammar school and graduated from Watsonville High School, where he played tuba in the marching band.
He graduated from Hartnell College and served in the engine room of the U.S.S. Bradford during the Korean War.
Returning to Watsonville after his tour in Korea, Mr. Callesen raced stock cars at the Watsonville Speedway. In 1955 he met the love of his life, Shirley, and they married in 1957. A retiree of Varian Associates, Mr. Callesen was a quality engineer working on advanced communication systems.
A strong and loyal family man, he is preceded in death by his sister Jeanne O'Reilly and brother Don Callesen. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Callesen, brother Loren Callesen, son Pete Callesen (Lara), daughter Dianna Callesen Silva (Jim) and one granddaughter.
Mr. Callesen will be put to rest at Valley Public Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind or Hospice of Monterey County.
Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of the Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, www.avemariamemorialchapel.com.
Published in The Pajaronian · January 1, 2021