Thief River Falls – Chester “Chet” Engelman, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota surrounded by his loving family.
A gathering of friends and family was held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
A time of sharing for family and friends was held on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at the Northland College Gymnasium in Thief River Falls.
Chester Alvin Engelman was born August 1, 1937 in Howard Lake, son of Alvin and Bernice (Anderson) Engelman. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and graduated from high school in Howard Lake in 1955.
Chet married Berna (Bunny) Clennon in 1957; to that marriage three children were born: Arlie, Kelly and Larry.
Chet enlisted in the United States Air Force June 20, 1956 and was honorably discharged August 3, 1960. He was stationed in Japan for one year and lived there with his wife Berna and son Arlie.
Chet received his undergraduate degree in physical education and business, and his graduate degree in psychology and counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. He had also done post-graduate work at the University of Minnesota, California State University-Northridge, University of Northern Colorado, and St. Cloud State University.
Chet taught psychology and business and was appointed coach for the basketball and track teams at Northland Community College in Thief River Falls for many years. One of his greatest accomplishments was winning the 1992 State Championship in basketball.
Chet received calls and visits from many of his former players throughout the years and loved rehashing old stories and games with them. He also enjoyed watching football, basketball and volleyball games at Northlandn whenever he could.
Chet married Valerie Seaverson June 10, 1998 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Thief River Falls.
Chet will be deeply missed by his wife Valerie of 19 years, son Arlie Engelman of Boulder City, NV, daughter Kelly (Chuck) Leaming of Copperas Cove, TX, son Larry (Lisa) Engelman of Las Vegas, NV; step-daughters Kelly Amundgaard and Kimberly (Kirby) Kostrzewski, all of Thief River Falls; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brother Duane (Darlene) Engelman, twin sisters Rosemarie (Jim) Workman and Rosalee Adams, sister Janice (Steve) Comstock; also many nieces and nephews and also many foster grandchildren.
Chet is preceded in death by his father Alvin, mother Bernice, brothers Erland and Filmore and two sisters-in-law Mary and Mary.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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