Violet Challand

1919 - 2026

Violet Challand
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.