John R. "Jack" Challenger

John R. "Jack" Challenger, 86, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday, June 10th, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown.

Born in Muir, Pennsylvania on February 29, 1940, he was a son of the late Ida (Helt) and John Challenger.

He was the husband of Joan F. (Daubert) Challenger, to whom he was married for 36 years. Jack and Joan enjoyed many trips around the world and loved to travel together.

He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Beckville Gun Club, Cressona, Rainbow Gun Club, Auburn and various golf leagues.

He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School. He then worked at Acme and retired from Brush Wellman (Materion), Shoemakersville.

Jack was an avid Pennsylvania sports fan, including Penn State, Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He enjoyed watching and playing golf and hunting.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Jodi Nettles wife of Donald, Schuylkill Haven, John D. Challenger husband of Maureen, Port Carbon and Jill DeLong, Schuylkill Haven; step sons Jeff Snyder husband of Sandra, Nazareth and Michael Snyder husband of Brooke, Ridley Park, PA; grandchildren Donald, Matthew, Jaclyn, Jennifer, Jonny, Candice, Jacob, Joseph, Ben, Carter, Chris, Kyle, Katelyn, Kurt, Evan and Shea; great grandchildren Kyle, Brooklyn, Cole, Cael, Eva, Ari, Grant, Jon Jon, Kingsley, Leah, Kayden and Leo; sister Judy Challenger, Maryland; many nieces and nephews.

Jack is preceded in death by his first wife of 27 years Adele (Miller) Challenger, sister Jean Popalis and brothers Jimmy and Kim Challenger.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, June 16 at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven, with Rev. Mike Carpenter officiating.

A viewing will be held prior from 9 until the time of the service.

At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.