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Challgren, Joseph Daniel

November 21, 1943 March 9, 2017 Joseph Daniel (Dan) Challgren, of Wytheville, Va., died unexpectedly while vacationing in Belize with his partner, Ann Laing, and older brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Kathie Challgren, on Thursday, March 9, 2017. Dan was born November 21, 1943 in Missouri and grew up in Kirkwood until the age of eight, when his family moved to Lyndhurst, Ohio (Cleveland) in 1955. He was the son of Elizabeth Daniel Challgren and Carl Fenton Challgren. He graduated from Charles F. Brush High School in 1962, where he was both an outstanding student and athlete. He continued his education at The Ohio State University, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering and earning a varsity letter in cross country and was an active member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon graduation, he joined the General Electric Co's manufacturing management program. His first assignment was in Columbia, S.C., where he met his future wife Judy Turner.  Dan and Judy started their lives as newlyweds in Pittsfield, Mass., and went on to Linton and Ft. Wayne, Ind. Their two sons, Eric Daniel and Scott Bearden Challgren, were born in Louisville, Ky., where Dan was posted after his G.E. training. Dan also went on to earn his masters in mechanical engineering from University of Louisville. Dan's career required the family to relocate many times, including Sterling, Ill., Chesapeake, Va., Mequon, Wis., Hudson, Ohio, and Oakland, Mich. Dan loved his career. He worked long days and travelled often but family life was his true priority. He officiated swimming meets, coached little league, soccer and basketball, and he and Judy rarely missed any of their sons' home or away swim meets. He supported both of his sons in Boy Scouts, each of whom achieved Eagle Scout. He was always supportive and adventurous, introducing his family to the world through travel and encouraging his sons to be themselves and live their dreams. He and Judy moved to Wytheville in 2002, where they fell in love with the area and eventually retired.  Dan was a kind and caring man who became involved in the Wytheville Presbyterian Church and many civic activities, including Rotary, local boards and Boy Scouts. As a Scout leader, he was very involved in camping, merit badge education and Eagle boards of review. He served as an elder and deacon at Wytheville Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed golf and bridge, watching sports, gardening, and family time, especially at Lake Gaston.  After Judy's death in September 2009, he continued to cherish time with his two sons and their families. In 2010, he met neighborhood friend Ann Laing in a chance encounter. They became instant friends and enjoyed traveling, hiking, biking, the Barter Theatre, dinners at home and blending their families. Over their seven years together, they traveled the country and the world and had a blast. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Dan's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2017 at Wytheville Presbyterian Church; the Rev. Brad Simpson will officiate. Family will host visitation at the church on Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 3 to 6 p.m. Dan is survived by his best friend and partner, Ann Laing, and constant canine companion, Daisy; sons Eric of Raleigh, N.C. and Scott of Gainesville, Fla.; and three very special grandchildren, Ethan, Adam and Turner and their mother Amy, of Raleigh, N.C. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Kathie Challgren, of Plymouth, Minn.; nephews, Fenton, Steven, Brian and Justin Challgren; brother-in-law Lanny Turner; niece Kim Price and nephew, Philip Turner; as well as the extended Challgren, Turner, Bearden and Laing families. Dan's family is grateful to their many loving friends and family for their continued love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina in honor of Dan's oldest grandson, Ethan (www.never-gone.com/Memorials/josephdanielchallgren) or to Wytheville Presbyterian Church (285 Church Street, Wytheville, Va 24382).