William Robert Telgen, Sr., 86, was surrounded by his family as he passed tenderly into the arms of his Savior on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017. "Bill" was born on October 27, 1931 to Cornelius and Nellie Telgen in Midland Park, NJ. He married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Siegers, on May 29, 1952. They enjoyed 65 precious years together as they raised seven children, established a successful farm, and watched the Lord bless their family in numbers. Affectionately known as "Pop" to 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and more on the way, Bills family was his pride and joy! His strong faith, quick wit, and sincere appreciation for a good bowl of ice cream will be dearly missed. Bill always loved the farm, so he and Catherine started their own in Rock Tavern, NY when they got married. They moved their family and the cows to Shoreham, VT in 1968, where they established Wil-Tel Holsteins and spent many years working side by side with sons, Bill Jr. and Ron. After retiring, Bill enjoyed working in his woodshop, building toy barns and doll cradles for his grandchildren. Faith and music were important to Bill. As a teenager in New Jersey, he played the trumpet, guitar, and was a drummer in the local Drum and Bugle Corps. Later, he enjoyed singing gospel songs as a tenor for the Goshen Quartet while living in New York. Bills family has fond memories of him playing My Jesus I Love Thee on his harmonica while sitting by the campfire at family camping reunions. He served as an elder and deacon at the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church and was a founding member of the Champlain Valley Christian School in Vergennes, VT. He enjoyed singing immensely and was blessed to gather with his large family, singing hymns of faith with four generations only a few weeks before his passing. Bill was predeceased by his parents. He leaves behind his faithful wife, Catherine (Siegers) Telgen; sister, Evelyn Telgen, and brother, Neal (Midge) Telgen. He will be dearly missed by his children, Sue (Elwyn) Flynn, Sandy Brisson, William (Carleen) Telgen, Laura (Gerry) Koning, Ron (Tina) Telgen, Karen (Roger) Desabrais, Linda (Andre) Larocque, 22 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Bills life will be held at the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church in Vergennes, VT, on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Champlain Valley Christian School (2 Church St, Vergennes, VT 05491), or to Olivias Gift (www.oliviasgift.org). Arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com SERVICES Memorial Service Saturday, December 2, 2017 1:30 PM Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church 73 Church St Vergennes, VT 05491