Chester "Chet" Engelman, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota surrounded by his loving family.

Gathering of friends and family will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM service on Saturday, November 18, 2017 with Larry Myhrer Officiating at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

A time of sharing for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at 4:00 PM at the Northland College Gymnasium in Thief River Falls. All friends and former players are considered honorary pallbearers.

Chester Alvin Engelman was born August 1, 1937 in Howard Lake, MN son of Alvin and Bernice (Anderson) Engelman. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith and graduated from High School in Howard Lake, MN in 1955.

He married Berna (Bunny) Clennon in 1957; to that marriage 3 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 1 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 has 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 coach at Northland Community College in Thief River Falls for many years. One of his greatest accomplishments was winning the 1992 State Championship in basketball. He 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 Northland wherever he could. He married Valerie Seaverson June 10, 1998 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Thief River Falls.

He 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, both of Thief River Falls, MN; 9 grandchildren and 4 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.