Craig Robert Challoner

1964 - 2023

Craig Robert Challoner, a caring nurse, conservationist, and devoted friend, passed away on the evening of Friday, May 12, 2023, at his home in Omro, at the age of 59, surrounded by his family.

Craig was born in Oshkosh on February 25, 1964, to Sandra (Nixon) Challoner and the late Dr. Robert Ira Challoner. He graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 1983, attended UW-Stevens Point, later graduating from UW-Oshkosh in 1992 with a BS in nursing. He worked his entire career as a Registered Nurse, spending over 10 years at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, eventually retiring from Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh.

In addition to his nursing career, Craig was an avid hunter, fisherman, and conservationist. He was a member of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, serving on the WWF board for over 20 years including two years as president. Craig was also a member of the Winnebago Conservation Club. He especially liked working with children on Earth Day teaching them about invasive plant species.

Craig was proud to call his family's farm in Omro his home for his entire adult life. Riverbend Farm, which had been in his family for over 172 years and seven generations, included a unique Octagon house, built shortly after the Civil War, which Craig renovated with great care and attention to detail. He was very proud of the outcome of this major project that brought the house from the 19th to the 21st century. Craig also planted and maintained fields of wildflowers providing habitat for deer, pheasant, turkey, and songbirds.

He also hosted an annual Pumpkin Picking Party at the farm for many years, which was attended by many families of his co-workers. In 2022, when Craig was no longer able to throw the party, his co-workers took over, bringing the pumpkins that he had been unable to grow himself.

Craig will be remembered as a caring and dedicated nurse who was a mentor to many. He is survived by his mother, Sandra Challoner; his sister, Laurel Challoner, and her daughter Sophia; his brother, Scott Challoner, and his wife Carolyn, and their children Matthew and Reed. Craig is also survived by many close relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Challoner, and several aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to family, friends, and neighbors who helped to care for Craig in the final months of his fight with pancreatic cancer. Ken, Stacey, Sue, Lisa, and Jenifer - we don't know what we would have done without your help.

A visitation will be held in honor of Craig at Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church (1174 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh) on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 9 am until the service at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards scholarships for students in nursing and conservation-related programs, in honor of Craig's devotion to these fields. Craig will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy as a compassionate nurse, devoted conservationist, and kind friend will live on. May you rest in peace among the nature you so loved.


Kwiatkowski Funeral Home
425 Jefferson Avenue
Omro WI 54963
(920) 685-2207