William "Bill" Albert Challner Killarney, Manitoba Obituary

William "Bill" Albert Challner

<p style="text-align: center;">In Loving Memory of<br /> <span style="font-size:22px;">William &ldquo;Bill&rdquo;<br /> Albert Challner</span><br /> age 84<br /> Lovingly remembered by his sons&nbsp;<br /> Tim (Tracy) and David (Sharla)&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;and grandsons Zack, Colton &amp; Bauer&nbsp;<br /> He was predeceased by his wife Donnelda</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Died</em><br /> May 30, 2022<br /> Boissevain Health Centre<br /> Boissevain, Manitoba</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Memorial Service</em><br /> Saturday, June 4, 2022<br /> St, Paul&rsquo;s United Church&nbsp;<br /> Boissevain, Manitoba&nbsp;<br /> 1:00 p.m.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Private Interment</em>~ Boissevain Cemetery&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Donations in memory of Bill may be made to&nbsp;<br /> Boissevain Palliative Care Box 899,&nbsp;<br /> Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0 or the&nbsp;<br /> Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba&nbsp;<br /> 1379 Kenaston Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5.</p> <p><br /> William Albert Challner passed away peacefully on May 30, 2022 at the Boissevain Health Center with his sons, Tim and Dave by his side.<br /> Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Donnelda and her parents.&nbsp; His brother Ron Challner and Sister in-law Beatrice Olson.&nbsp; Brothers in-law, Eddie Olson, Willard Evans, Elgin Knight, Wally Wiens, Jack McKee, John Adamson, Bob Tufts, and nephews Dakota Walkey and Darren McKee.<br /> He is survived by his two sons. Tim and family (Tracy, Zackery and Colton) and Dave and family (Sharla and Bauer).&nbsp; His siblings; Shirley Evans, Donald (Betty) Challner, Louise (Gerry) Little, George (Karen) Challner, Tom (Francis) Challner, Marilyn Wiens, Norma Knight, Judy Challner, and Donnelda`s siblings; Fay Adamson, and Olive Tufts along with many nieces and nephews.<br /> Bill was born June 17, 1937 at Nurse Halliday`s House in Boissevain to Albert Edward and Florence Georgina Challner (Mears).&nbsp; Bill was the third child of the family and had 4 brothers and 4 sisters.&nbsp; His parents inspired him with their ability to raise 9 children on one quarter section of land.&nbsp; He was raised in the Horton / Lake Max District and attended school at Lake Max for grades 1-9.&nbsp; His first job was installing the water works infrastructure in Boissevain at age 15.&nbsp; In 1954 Bill started work at the International Peace Gardens.<br /> On April 6, 1963 Bill married the love of his life, Donnelda Challner (McKee) of the Mountainside area.&nbsp; They were married in St. Paul&rsquo;s United Church in Boissevain.&nbsp; Their first home was on SW 9-2-20W.&nbsp; In December of 1968 he was promoted to Maintenance Forman at the International Peace Garden.&nbsp; This promotion came with a residence on the garden grounds.&nbsp; Bill and Donnelda made this their family home until 1999.&nbsp; In 2007, Bill was presented a plaque dedicating his time and commitment to the Peace Gardens for 45 years of service.<br /> Bill and Donnelda purchased the original Challner home quarter SW4-2-20W.&nbsp; This home quarter has since been designated as a centennial farm.&nbsp; Bill was proud of his animals, garden and yard.&nbsp; The farm was his passion and he spent countless hours walking trails and he loved his time fencing.&nbsp; Bill fenced his North quarter by carrying every fence post in a bundle on his back.&nbsp; He would strap 10 posts together, hoist them onto his back and venture off.&nbsp; He would pound those posts and prepare the 10 holes for the next day.&nbsp; He continued this till his fence was complete.&nbsp; Bill spent countless hours scrubbing along this fence well into his 80&rsquo;s.&nbsp; He would cut wood and sell it by the cord.&nbsp; He could always be found talking to the cattle and loved the challenge of seeing how quiet he could get them.&nbsp; He also talked about looking up one day to see a cougar watching him.&nbsp; When asked if he was scared he said &ldquo;No, I just talked to him.&nbsp; If he wanted to get me he would have had me before I seen him!&rdquo;<br /> Aside from his ability to quiet any animal, he was able to befriend almost any dog he came across.&nbsp; Some even called him the &ldquo;dog whisperer.&rdquo;&nbsp; When Bill and Donnelda moved back to the farm, Bill gained a new sidekick.&nbsp; The Australian Shepherd cross Border Collie pup named Bandit.&nbsp; The two of them were nearly inseparable until Bandit passed away in 2015 days after Bill and Donnelda moved to Boissevain.<br /> Bill had many hobbies.&nbsp; He enjoyed fishing, fastball, bowling, horseshoes and the farm.&nbsp; He enjoyed family gatherings as well as a good game of cards.&nbsp; One of his favorite past times was watching family play hockey or any sport for that matter.&nbsp; He loved going out for meals and was always known for his visiting.&nbsp; Bill and Donnelda were also active in St. Paul&rsquo;s United Church in Boissevain for many years.<br /> Bill and Donnelda moved off the farm and into a Condo in Boissevain on June 1, 2015.&nbsp; He continued to go out to the farm every chance he could.&nbsp; They made many new friends and enjoyed the offerings of town life.&nbsp; Bill and Donnelda were often described as the true definition of a couple.&nbsp; They went everywhere together and looked out for one another.&nbsp; You would often see them walking hand in hand.&nbsp; Bill was a true care giver.<br /> Bill was quiet and kind.&nbsp; He was caring and compassionate.&nbsp; His eyes and smile could brighten any room.&nbsp; He gave off a contagious energy that would lift the spirits of even those in their darkest hours.&nbsp; He always had time to stop and talk to someone or lend an ear.&nbsp; If offered a cup of coffee, he would never turn you down.&nbsp; If you were behind or needed a hand, Bill was always the first to volunteer and would put his own work on the back burner.<br /> Bill said one thing he always wanted to be known for was making a difference to others.&nbsp; You accomplished that!<br /> Bill was proud of his boys.&nbsp; Tim was born in 1972 and Dave in 1975.&nbsp; He enjoyed watching his boys play sports.&nbsp; He made sure they got to their practices and games and was always there cheering them on from the sidelines and giving advice on the way home.&nbsp; He spent hours building them skating rinks, hitting fly balls and playing catch.&nbsp; He loved taking his family fishing.<br /> If you ever wanted to see Bill speak with passion, just mention any of his grandsons.&nbsp; Zack was born in 2003, Colton in 2005 and Bauer in 2013.&nbsp; He would talk for hours about what his grandkids were up to.&nbsp;<br /> Bill could be found watching and supporting his grandsons in all their sports.&nbsp; He loved to watch them play hockey, baseball and soccer.&nbsp; He would take them fishing any chance he could and would often walk the pastures with them.&nbsp; Every hike was an adventure and an opportunity to pass on his love of nature.&nbsp; Grandpa&rsquo;s mannerisms can be seen in each one of the boys.<br /> Bill was born at 1.5lbs and his parents took him home in a shoe box being told that they might as well take him home as he wasn`t going to make it anyways.&nbsp; He often thought about how many hours his mom must have taken with him to nurse him through.&nbsp; He had to prove his strength and determination right from the start.&nbsp; Approximately 8 years ago Bill had been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and was given 3 months to 3 years to live.&nbsp; He still found the positive in everything.&nbsp; Despite the fact that doctors told him this disease would hinder his abilities to continue many of his passions, he was determined to live his life to the fullest, often going against medical recommendations.&nbsp; His ability to push through amazed the medical staff.<br /> Bill was known as the glue that held the family together.&nbsp; If family came home for a visit, they would often stay at Bill and Donnelda&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Some commented that he would usually be out in the yard waiting for their arrival and then in the morning have coffee and breakfast waiting for them when they got up.&nbsp; In his last days you could see pure joy as he was able to see family.&nbsp; A fond memory for those that were able to attend was seeing the comfort in Bill&rsquo;s smile as they gathered together outside his hospital room.&nbsp; Bill commented that day &ldquo;the circle is complete.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br /> In his last 24 hours he was able to hear the voices from everyone in his immediate family.&nbsp; Tim, Tracy, Zack and Colton were all at his beside Sunday night.&nbsp; Dave and Sharla stayed with him over night and Bauer was able to talk to Grandpa on the phone.&nbsp; Tim rejoined Dave in the morning.&nbsp; Shortly after the phone call, Heaven gained another angel.&nbsp; As Bauer said; &ldquo;Grandpa is now living his next best life.&rdquo;<br /> Funeral services were held June 4, 2022 at St. Paul&rsquo;s United Church in Boissevain.&nbsp; Officiating was Rev. Rolanda Taylor, pianist and soloist was Brenda Lyons.<br /> William&rsquo;s grandsons carried in a fishing pole, a baseball bat and a goalie stick and placed them at the Urn as a testament to his faithful interest in their activities.&nbsp; This was followed by the Opening Words, Words of Welcome, the lighting of the Christ Candle and the Opening Prayer.&nbsp; The hymn &ldquo;Take My Life, And Let It Be&rdquo; was then performed.&nbsp; Tim Challner then read the Lord&rsquo;s Prayer, followed by Dave Challner and Sharla George to read the Eulogy.&nbsp; Tim went up again for the scripture reading of &ldquo;Psalm 23.&rdquo; Following were the &ldquo;Message&rdquo;, &ldquo;Announcement&rdquo; and the &ldquo;Closing Prayer.&rdquo;&nbsp; Brenda Lyons then performed &ldquo;The Old Rugged Cross&rdquo;, followed by the &ldquo;Commendation&rdquo; and the &ldquo;Benediction: Numbers 6: 24-26.&rdquo;&nbsp; Following the services his youngest son, Dave, carried the Urn out of the Church with both his and Tim and his family following behind for support, to the playing and singing of &ldquo;Will Your Anchor Hold?&rdquo;&nbsp; Interment followed at the Boissevain Cemetery.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>
June 17, 1937 - May 30, 202206/17/193705/30/2022
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Obituary

In Loving Memory of
William “Bill”
Albert Challner

age 84
Lovingly remembered by his sons 
Tim (Tracy) and David (Sharla) 
 and grandsons Zack, Colton & Bauer 
He was predeceased by his wife Donnelda

Died
May 30, 2022
Boissevain Health Centre
Boissevain, Manitoba

Memorial Service
Saturday, June 4, 2022
St, Paul’s United Church 
Boissevain, Manitoba 
1:00 p.m.

Private Interment~ Boissevain Cemetery 

Donations in memory of Bill may be made to 
Boissevain Palliative Care Box 899, 
Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0 or the 
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba 
1379 Kenaston Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5.


William Albert Challner passed away peacefully on May 30, 2022 at the Boissevain Health Center with his sons, Tim and Dave by his side.
Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Donnelda and her parents.  His brother Ron Challner and Sister in-law Beatrice Olson.  Brothers in-law, Eddie Olson, Willard Evans, Elgin Knight, Wally Wiens, Jack McKee, John Adamson, Bob Tufts, and nephews Dakota Walkey and Darren McKee.
He is survived by his two sons. Tim and family (Tracy, Zackery and Colton) and Dave and family (Sharla and Bauer).  His siblings; Shirley Evans, Donald (Betty) Challner, Louise (Gerry) Little, George (Karen) Challner, Tom (Francis) Challner, Marilyn Wiens, Norma Knight, Judy Challner, and Donnelda`s siblings; Fay Adamson, and Olive Tufts along with many nieces and nephews.
Bill was born June 17, 1937 at Nurse Halliday`s House in Boissevain to Albert Edward and Florence Georgina Challner (Mears).  Bill was the third child of the family and had 4 brothers and 4 sisters.  His parents inspired him with their ability to raise 9 children on one quarter section of land.  He was raised in the Horton / Lake Max District and attended school at Lake Max for grades 1-9.  His first job was installing the water works infrastructure in Boissevain at age 15.  In 1954 Bill started work at the International Peace Gardens.
On April 6, 1963 Bill married the love of his life, Donnelda Challner (McKee) of the Mountainside area.  They were married in St. Paul’s United Church in Boissevain.  Their first home was on SW 9-2-20W.  In December of 1968 he was promoted to Maintenance Forman at the International Peace Garden.  This promotion came with a residence on the garden grounds.  Bill and Donnelda made this their family home until 1999.  In 2007, Bill was presented a plaque dedicating his time and commitment to the Peace Gardens for 45 years of service.
Bill and Donnelda purchased the original Challner home quarter SW4-2-20W.  This home quarter has since been designated as a centennial farm.  Bill was proud of his animals, garden and yard.  The farm was his passion and he spent countless hours walking trails and he loved his time fencing.  Bill fenced his North quarter by carrying every fence post in a bundle on his back.  He would strap 10 posts together, hoist them onto his back and venture off.  He would pound those posts and prepare the 10 holes for the next day.  He continued this till his fence was complete.  Bill spent countless hours scrubbing along this fence well into his 80’s.  He would cut wood and sell it by the cord.  He could always be found talking to the cattle and loved the challenge of seeing how quiet he could get them.  He also talked about looking up one day to see a cougar watching him.  When asked if he was scared he said “No, I just talked to him.  If he wanted to get me he would have had me before I seen him!”
Aside from his ability to quiet any animal, he was able to befriend almost any dog he came across.  Some even called him the “dog whisperer.”  When Bill and Donnelda moved back to the farm, Bill gained a new sidekick.  The Australian Shepherd cross Border Collie pup named Bandit.  The two of them were nearly inseparable until Bandit passed away in 2015 days after Bill and Donnelda moved to Boissevain.
Bill had many hobbies.  He enjoyed fishing, fastball, bowling, horseshoes and the farm.  He enjoyed family gatherings as well as a good game of cards.  One of his favorite past times was watching family play hockey or any sport for that matter.  He loved going out for meals and was always known for his visiting.  Bill and Donnelda were also active in St. Paul’s United Church in Boissevain for many years.
Bill and Donnelda moved off the farm and into a Condo in Boissevain on June 1, 2015.  He continued to go out to the farm every chance he could.  They made many new friends and enjoyed the offerings of town life.  Bill and Donnelda were often described as the true definition of a couple.  They went everywhere together and looked out for one another.  You would often see them walking hand in hand.  Bill was a true care giver.
Bill was quiet and kind.  He was caring and compassionate.  His eyes and smile could brighten any room.  He gave off a contagious energy that would lift the spirits of even those in their darkest hours.  He always had time to stop and talk to someone or lend an ear.  If offered a cup of coffee, he would never turn you down.  If you were behind or needed a hand, Bill was always the first to volunteer and would put his own work on the back burner.
Bill said one thing he always wanted to be known for was making a difference to others.  You accomplished that!
Bill was proud of his boys.  Tim was born in 1972 and Dave in 1975.  He enjoyed watching his boys play sports.  He made sure they got to their practices and games and was always there cheering them on from the sidelines and giving advice on the way home.  He spent hours building them skating rinks, hitting fly balls and playing catch.  He loved taking his family fishing.
If you ever wanted to see Bill speak with passion, just mention any of his grandsons.  Zack was born in 2003, Colton in 2005 and Bauer in 2013.  He would talk for hours about what his grandkids were up to. 
Bill could be found watching and supporting his grandsons in all their sports.  He loved to watch them play hockey, baseball and soccer.  He would take them fishing any chance he could and would often walk the pastures with them.  Every hike was an adventure and an opportunity to pass on his love of nature.  Grandpa’s mannerisms can be seen in each one of the boys.
Bill was born at 1.5lbs and his parents took him home in a shoe box being told that they might as well take him home as he wasn`t going to make it anyways.  He often thought about how many hours his mom must have taken with him to nurse him through.  He had to prove his strength and determination right from the start.  Approximately 8 years ago Bill had been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and was given 3 months to 3 years to live.  He still found the positive in everything.  Despite the fact that doctors told him this disease would hinder his abilities to continue many of his passions, he was determined to live his life to the fullest, often going against medical recommendations.  His ability to push through amazed the medical staff.
Bill was known as the glue that held the family together.  If family came home for a visit, they would often stay at Bill and Donnelda’s.  Some commented that he would usually be out in the yard waiting for their arrival and then in the morning have coffee and breakfast waiting for them when they got up.  In his last days you could see pure joy as he was able to see family.  A fond memory for those that were able to attend was seeing the comfort in Bill’s smile as they gathered together outside his hospital room.  Bill commented that day “the circle is complete.” 
In his last 24 hours he was able to hear the voices from everyone in his immediate family.  Tim, Tracy, Zack and Colton were all at his beside Sunday night.  Dave and Sharla stayed with him over night and Bauer was able to talk to Grandpa on the phone.  Tim rejoined Dave in the morning.  Shortly after the phone call, Heaven gained another angel.  As Bauer said; “Grandpa is now living his next best life.”
Funeral services were held June 4, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Church in Boissevain.  Officiating was Rev. Rolanda Taylor, pianist and soloist was Brenda Lyons.
William’s grandsons carried in a fishing pole, a baseball bat and a goalie stick and placed them at the Urn as a testament to his faithful interest in their activities.  This was followed by the Opening Words, Words of Welcome, the lighting of the Christ Candle and the Opening Prayer.  The hymn “Take My Life, And Let It Be” was then performed.  Tim Challner then read the Lord’s Prayer, followed by Dave Challner and Sharla George to read the Eulogy.  Tim went up again for the scripture reading of “Psalm 23.” Following were the “Message”, “Announcement” and the “Closing Prayer.”  Brenda Lyons then performed “The Old Rugged Cross”, followed by the “Commendation” and the “Benediction: Numbers 6: 24-26.”  Following the services his youngest son, Dave, carried the Urn out of the Church with both his and Tim and his family following behind for support, to the playing and singing of “Will Your Anchor Hold?”  Interment followed at the Boissevain Cemetery.



 

 

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