Betty E. Challe (Mrs. Joseph W.), 89, Rio Creek, passed away Friday morning, September 23, 2011, at Door County Memorial Hospital, Sturgeon Bay, surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 20, 1921 in Kewaunee County to the late Jule and Catherine (Kipping) Laurent. On October 7, 1942, Betty married Joseph Challe at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lincoln.
She, along with her husband, operated a dairy farm near Rio Creek for 25 years. She also worked at Algoma Plywood for many years. In honor of her husband Joseph’s military service, she started the veteran displays at the Mausoleum of the Good Shepherd in Bay Settlement. After she retired, Betty continued to live an active life spending much time crocheting, playing cards with her Monday afternoon card club, attending her monthly Wednesday birthday club lunches, attending Maple-Forest club events, and doing water exercise three times a week at the YMCA. Betty took great pride in her home and kept it meticulously clean up to the time of her passing. She was never afraid to try new things; she especially enjoyed line dancing. Betty was a very intelligent woman who spent much time reading a variety of books, magazines, etc. She was an especially good cook; she was known for her Belgian pies, sauerkraut and cherry torte. (Betty was canning sauerkraut a week prior to her passing.) In her later years, she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She made many trips to Menomonie to visit her grandsons. She also loved to pray the rosary.
Betty is survived by her daughter Mary Jo (Joseph) Halada, Sturgeon Bay; and son David (Deb) Challe, Menomonie. She is further survived by her grand children Amy (Luke) Jonet, Sara (special friend Kwesi) Halada, Kevin Challe, and Ben Challe; and one great grand son Jacob Jonet. She is also survived by her sister Grace (Goldie) Thiry, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph; sisters Virginia and Fern Mae; and brothers Walter, John, Alois, and Howard; many in-laws; and nephews.
Friends may call at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum in Bay Settlement on Tuesday September 27, 2011. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 with Funeral Service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Bob Konkol, OFM will be officiating. Entombment at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd. Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolence messages may be expressed here .
The family wishes to thank Dr. Heise and the staff of Door County Memorial Hospital. A special thanks to the medical surgical staff on 2nd floor. To all of you, your kindness and dedication to Betty’s well being are truly appreciated. The family would also like to thank Larry and Judy Kirchman for all their care and concern helping Betty throughout the years.
