In loving memory of David Callies

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share that my little brother, David William Callies, passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2025, at the all-too-young age of 36.

David was an extraordinary human being — endlessly kind, impossibly generous, and quick to make anyone feel like a friend. He was a devoted husband, a loving son and brother, and a bright light to all who knew him. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say he was the life of every party he attended.

But behind that bright spirit, David also struggled privately with alcohol use disorder. During a hospitalization in April, a doctor bluntly told him that his liver was in such bad shape he could never drink again. That moment was a wake-up call. David got sober immediately. He began attending AA meetings, started exercising regularly, and even incorporated that diabolical vegetable known as kale into his diet. He was 78 days sober on June 29th when he was emergently hospitalized and transferred to the ICU with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacteremia, and COVID pneumonia.

On his 82nd day of sobriety, and in the presence of those who loved him most, David passed away from complications of his illness. It was July 3rd, 2025 — three days after marking 13 years with his beloved partner, Hanna, and just one day before what would have been their fifth wedding anniversary.

In the wake of this tragedy, I’m raising funds to support Hanna Callies as she begins to navigate life without him. The money raised will go toward:

-Covering medical bills from David’s ICU hospitalization

-Planning and hosting a memorial service to celebrate his life (details to follow)

-Helping Hanna with any unforeseen costs associated with David’s passing, and with immediate living expenses as she finds her footing

Any amount — no matter how small — will help. And if you’re not in a place to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with others who knew and loved David would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your love, support, and kindness during this unimaginably difficult time.

With gratitude,

Daniel Callies