John Challis

John was born on July 12, 1920 in Portland, Oregon. John’s first home was on 3rd and Glisan streets which is now part of the Portland Coliseum. He graduated from Benson High School in 1938. John loved sports, in particular Baseball. During WWII, he joined the US Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946 and was stationed on the Oregon Coast. John loved to cook and spent time as a cook in the Coast Guard. In 1952, he married Nellie Karen Nelson. They were married for 57 years before she passed away. John worked for the Western Union for 30 years as a cable splicer. In retirement, John and Nellie traveled to Finland to meet relatives and friends. On this same trip, they visited London. John has belonged to the United States Finnish Brotherhood and Sisterhood Lodge #23 for a number of years. John and Nell enjoyed bowling, going to the Elks and socializing with friends, family and neighbors. He is survived by nieces and nephews. John will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Service will be at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan Street, followed by a committal with Military Honors at Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Zeller Chapel Of The Roses FH, PORTLAND, OR.