Erik Troy Challeen was born May 15, 1974 to Jerome Michael Challeen and Linda Louise Lewis. He made his entrance into the world in Butte, Montana, a place that would be his home through his teen years. Erik’s father worked as a technician in a small airport in Butte, Montana and his mother, Linda stayed home to take care of Erik.
Jerome Michael Challeen, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 1986 when Erik was 12 years old. Erik’s mother remarried a short time later to David Stewart on May 4, 1990. The family then moved to Billings where Erik completed high school.
In 1994 Erik joined the Army National Guard and served 8 years as a reservist. During that time, he attended college at Montana State University where he graduated with a BS in business. After graduation he decided to move to Denver to pursue a career in Supply Chain Management for several large companies. Erik continued his education at Regis University where he earned an MBA.
In 2003, Erik met Melissa Jones and they were engaged August 28, 2004. They were married on December 19, 2004. Along came their beautiful daughter Anneka Helen Challeen born on August 20, 2007. Erik and Melissa wanted to grow their family and became foster parents to a 17- month old little boy on March 17, 2014. They celebrated the adoption of Anthony Rho Challeen into their family on January 20, 2017.
On September 22, 2013, Erik’s mother, Linda Louise Stewart passed away after complications from a heart attack.
Erik had many interests and hobbies including golf, hiking, biking, and he loved to play pool. Erik also loved to sing, and his voice was very strong and powerful. He especially loved to sing praise music. Erik’s priorities were his strong faith and commitment to God, his marriage to Melissa and being a father to his two children. He was deeply involved in his church and his men’s Bible Study. Erik was a friend to everyone and will be remembered as an example of God’s goodness and love.
He is survived by his beloved wife Melissa Challeen, his daughter Anneka Helen and son Anthony Rho. He was a kind and caring husband and a hands-on father. His children looked up to him for everything, and his wife loved him dearly.
The Family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mission Hills Church Watch Care Fund (https://www.missionhills.org/give/) Thank You.
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