About us
Our History
The Halligan Funeral Company was established October 5, 1889 in Davenport by James F. Halligan.
During this time, there were thirteen funeral homes competing for business in the Davenport area. There are currently four funeral homes/mortuaries serving the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf.
In keeping with Halligan's Irish Heritage, most of the funerals and wakes in the early 1900's were held in the homes of the deceased. That is a sharp contrast to today's funerals and visitations. The size and number of people attending visitations and funerals have increased tremendously over the years. This increase in visitation and funeral attendance is why we have added a large chapel and a very spacious visitation room. These are in addition to the beautiful visitation rooms that we already have.
Mr. Halligan saw the need to bring in a "young man" to assume the duties at the funeral home. This man was George McCabe, a Dubuque, Iowa native. He became a partner in the funeral home in 1917.
James F. Halligan's hearse in front of the funeral home located at 212 W. 4th Street
James Halligan passed away on July 30, 1930. Following his death, his only surviving heir, daughter Marguerite Halligan and George McCabe formed a new partnership - the Halligan Funeral Home, Inc.
In 1933, Urban F. Ott of Chicago, Illinois became George McCabe's partner when he purchased Marguerite's share of the company. She was very reluctant to sell at first, but did so when George offered to keep the Halligan name as part of the business title.
In 1946, George's son, John "Jack" McCabe, became part of the business after attending mortuary school in St. Louis, Missouri. His brother, William "Bill" McCabe, joined the firm ten years later, after completing his mortuary science courses at Worsham College in Chicago, Illinois. Bill was the youngest of the six McCabe children.
George McCabe passed away August 19, 1959. Mr. Ott retired the following year. The two McCabe brothers, Jack and Bill, became co-owners of the funeral home. It was at this time that the McCabe name was added to form the Halligan-McCabe Funeral Home, Inc.
On July 1, 1974, Robert J. "Bob" McCabe, Jack's son, joined the firm. Bob attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota and received his degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. Jack McCabe retired January 1, 1987. It was at this time that Bob became a partner. Bill McCabe passed away on July 4, 1997 and Jack passed away on October 26, 2008. Bob McCabe sold his interest in the company in 2015, and retired in December 2017.
A lifetime Davenport native, K. Daniel "Dan" DeVries joined the firm on October 1, 1987. He attended St. Ambrose University and completed his Mortuary Science degree at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois. Dan became a partner in the business in January of 1993. It was at this time that the DeVries name was added to the business to form the Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home.
George McCabe and his family circa 1930, sitting in front of the fireplace in the South Parlor
Dan DeVries and Bob McCabe in front of the funeral home
On January 1, 2026, Halligan's merged with Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home in Rock Island, uniting the two most reputable funeral homes in the Quad Cities, both being founded in 1889. Now with the Halligan and Wheelan names working together, families on both sides of the Mississippi River can be assured that no matter where they may live, they can count on the highest level of care.
As the funeral industry continues to rapidly change, and large, publicly traded entities acquire more locally-owned funeral homes, this move ensures that more funeral homes that Quad Citians have used for generations remain locally-owned and controlled, while being able to reinvest in our facilities and hire only the best professionals.
Along with the merger, longtime manager, Nick Haut has been made a partner and will serve as the owner/operator of Halligan's, ensuring that the "Halligan Way" continues for the families we have been honored to serve.
Dan DeVries will stay at Halligan's in the role of President-Emertius and has become more active again, happily serving alongside his son, Samuel and rest of the dedicated staff.
Our name will not change, and our level of service will continue as it has since 1889.
Families First. Service above Self.
With the merger of Halligan's and Wheelan's, there will be absolutely no changes to existing pre-need contracts.
You may call Kelly Howerton at 563.322.4438 for any pre-need questions you may have.
