Kathleen Shirley Challgren

Brigh, Scott, and George were present at Kathleen's last moments, which was truly the perfect cinema-like experience. The family asks that any thoughts of gifts and memorials be directed in honor of the Handbell Choir of St Matthews Lutheran Church in Fort Worth.

Kathleen is survived by her devoted husband George; daughter, Brigh and husband Michael Effertz of Burleson, Texas and son, Scott Challgren of Atlanta, Georgia; brother, Paul of St. Cloud, Minnesota; step daughters, Beth and spouse Allison, and Rachel of Austin, Texas; and sisters, Kathy and husband Kenny, Hanson of Austin, Minnesota, Wanda and spouse Lyle Solberg of Albert Lea, Minnesota; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and family from the foster system.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Carrie Walder; and husband, James L Challgren.

Kathleen was born to Hugh and Carrie Walder in Blue Earth, Minnesota on April 7, 1943

She graduated from Kiester High School, and soon after, she married James L. Challgren of Kiester, Minnesota; together they raised two beautiful children. She became an RN in Minneapolis, then became a Pediatric Nurse in Fort Worth. After 25 years of dedication to her patients, she obtained her Music Therapy Certification at Texas Women's University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1992.

Kathleen was an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist, drum circle leader, and therapist. Kathleen's passion for teaching and musical talent was abundant. She was a Board Certified Music Therapist for 30 years, until her retirement from several school districts in North Texas.

Kathleen loved her travels to Santa Fe and Ruidoso, New Mexico, Newport Beach, Los Angeles and Hollywood, California, Colorado, her yearly trips to Minnesota, and bucket list trips to Hawaii and Norway.

Kathleen faithfully served in Music Ministries at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Fort Worth and was a loyal servant to the women and children for 40 years.

She was head over heels in love with her granddaughters, Sofia and AnnaBrynn Effertz of Fort Worth and enjoyed their crafting and shopping hauls.

She became Mom for 3 years to 6 exchange students, Asta, Valerie, Lorena, Andrea, Emma and Janine from Norway, Switzerland and Sweden. She was a lifelong learner of many cultures and traditions.

Services for Kathleen will be held at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Monday, July 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following.

All are welcome to celebrate the life of our adventurous, benevolent, and loving Kathleen.