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Violet Challand Obituary
Born: March 5, 1919 in Shabbona, IL
Died: February 14, 2026 in DeKalb, IL
Violet Goldie Challand, age 106 of DeKalb, IL passed away at Oak Crest Retirement Center on February 14, 2026. She was born in rural Shabbona, IL to Ora F. and Pearl Hosea Suddeth on March 5, 1919. Violet attended the Rollo Elementary School and graduated from the Shabbona High School in 1935.
Violet married Robert C. Challand in June 1939. They farmed in rural Waterman until Bob's retirement in 1978 when they moved into their home in town of Waterman. Violet was an active member of the United Methodist Church Women's Group was involved in many church activities and became the oldest member of the Church. She was a farmer's wife for many years helping in operating the farm. She had large vegetable gardens and canned the harvested crops. She worked for Rocket Pizza, in Waterman for a while, then became a Nurse's Aide at the DeKalb Public Hospital until its closing, then moved on to the new Kishwaukee Community Hospital and for many years.
After Bob's passing, she moved to the Oak Crest Retirement Center in 2013. There she met many new friends and reunited with old friends.
Violet was a loving compassionate mother and wife. And she was always there for her family. Violet and Bob had three children a son John Robert Challand who died in infancy, Carol (Scott) Gerbitz of Princeton, IL, and Rodney (Marilyn) Challand of Sycamore, IL. She was a loving grandmother to Christy (Scott) Westman of Kirkland, IL, Cathy (Tim) Zerkle of Fort Meyers, FL, Robert (Barb) Gerbitz of Tampico, IL, Gennie (Brian) Siwicki of Hinckley, IL, Ryan (Jillian) Challand of Twin Lakes, WI and Jacquie (Tim) Szewczyke of Wayland, IA. Was a great grandmother of 17, Nathan Overmann, Karyn (Matthew) Thewke, Anna Overmann, Tyler Zirkle, Andrew Zirkle, Robin (Cole), Roth, Morgan (Derek) Gorga, Drake (Katie) Siwicki, Gage Siwicki, Ashlynn Challand, Ella Challand, Noelle Challand, Emma Szewczyk, Madisyn Szweczyk, Mayzie Szewczyk, and 6 great- great grandchildren including Roman Gorga, Marshall, Lawson, Winslet Swicki, and Owen and Julia Thewke.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Challand, her parents Ora and Pearl Suddeth, her brothers Carmel, Ferrel, Marvin, and Leon, Vecil Meyers and Lola Marie who died in infancy and Twin granddaughters of Scott and Carol Gerbitz.
She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.
A Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Nash Nelson Funeral Home, 1001 East Garfield Street, Waterman, IL. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shabbona, IL.
Friends may visit from 11:00 AM until the Hour of Service on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Funeral Home in Waterman.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (815) 264-3362.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Violet Challand
Sponsored by Nash-Nelson Chapel - Waterman.
5 Entries
Bob Smith
February 24, 2026
Carol, Rod and families,
I just learned of your mother's passing, out here is Tucson, AZ. I want to offer my condolences to you, I remember your mother from when I lived on the Maude Greeley farm with my Aunt Beth and Uncle Leonard Fields. May God bless each of you.
Michele (Williams) Grimm
February 22, 2026
Dear Rod and Carol and families,
I really got to know your mother when I worked with her as a nurses aide at the DeKalb Public Hospital the summer of 1967. She was such a sweet and gentle lady. During the last few years when I would visit in DeKalb, I always tried to visit with her at Oak Crest. The consolation we can take is that she is now reunited in heaven with your father and all her friends who have preceded her. I count it a blessing to have known her. May all your memories comfort you at this very sad time.
Ted McCarron
February 20, 2026
I worked at oak crest last year.
And I was always amazed by how relatively independent Violet was. She seemed to be in better health and able to do more than people young enough to be her children. Her sweet smile always brightened my day at work and I enjoyed talking to her. She was a good woman who lived a very long life and she will be missed.
Paul Pytlak
February 19, 2026
Whenever I think of DeKalb, I remember Violet. She was a great friend and advocate for me. Reading her name gives a bittersweet feeling, The world has lost a special person, heaven has a beautiful soul.
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Mac Robinson
February 18, 2026
Rod, so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I always enjoyed your parents when they would come into Jolly's or I would see them in the community. I always enjoyed calling them Mom and Dad when I would see them in a restaurant. God bless you, Marilyn, and your family.
Mac Robinson
Oxnard, California
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