Challen "Chall" Kelker

Challen Hills Kelker, 79, passed away on January 18, 2017 at his home in Ivins Utah, after a yearlong battle with Cancer. Chall was born on April 1, 1937 in Ann Arbor, MI. to Dorothy Miller Kelker and George Hills Kelker. In 1939 Chall's Father accepted a position with Utah State University in Logan Utah, as a Professor of wildlife in charge of developing the Wild Life Resource's program at Utah State University.  The Kelker family relocated from MI. to Logan Utah where Chall was raised.

At age 19 Chall joined the Air Force and served for four years as a K-9 handler with the Air Force security police. Chall was stationed at Fairchild Air force Base Washington for 10 months, after which Chall was stationed at Eielson Air force Base in Alaska for 3 years.

In 1959, after getting out of the service, Chall returned to Logan, Utah where he was employed by Thiokol. In February 1959 Chall Married Rosetta Diantha Rolph.  Chall and Diantha were blessed with 3 children Challen Jay, Layle Gene, and Alena Chere.

In 1968 Chall moved his family to Las Vegas Nevada where Chall worked for 28 years with CherMac Builders as a master carpenter. Chall and Diantha were later divorced in 1983.  In 1984 Chall married his 2nd wife Bonnie Adams and they were later divorced.

In 1992 Chall met the love of his life and his soulmate Marcia Fiestal.   Chall and Marcia moved from Las Vegas Nevada to Ivins Utah, where Chall and Marcia were married on April 10, 1993.

In 2001 Chall and Marcia adopted a son, Britton Kelker.  Chall worked for High Calibur Construction, Terry Marten Construction, and then Ivins City until his retirement in 2007.

Chall loved Square Dancing, and in 2005 Chall competed in the Huntsman World Senior Games where Chall was awarded a Bronze Medal in Square Dancing. Chall was a classic car enthusiast and a member of the Desert Rodders classic car club. Chall loved to cruze with the "Desert Rodders" in his 1955 Olds to the classic car shows located throughout UT, NV, and AZ.

Chall also loved the outdoors, especially the mountains, and spent as much time there as he could. Chall loved hunting and fishing and looked forward to the annual deer and elk hunts on Cedar, and Boulder Mountain's with his family and friends.

Challen Hills Kelker is survived by his wife Marcia L. Kelker of Ivins, UT, son Challen Jay (Ross) Kelker of Fort Irwin, Ca.  Daughter Alena Chere ( Josh ) Welch of Veyo, Utah, Britton Kelker of St. George, Utah. 8 Grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, his Brothers Dr. Paul ( Kathy ) Kelker of Billings, MT., and Dr. Doug (Henriette) Kelker of Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Chall was preceded in death by his son Layle Gene Kelker, parents Dorothy Miller Kelker, and George Hills Kelker.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 10:00 am in the Ivins 5th Ward Chapel, located at 15 N Main, Ivins, UT. Interment will be in the Ivins City Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared at mcmillanmortuary.com