Chester "Chet" F. Nettestad

Chet was born on March 19th, 1947, in Fergus Falls to Chester and Stella (Huseby) Nettestad. Chester tragically lost his mother, Stella, when he was 17 months old. Chet grew up in his beloved hometown of Pelican Rapids, alongside his brothers, Charles and Mike, and his sister Kathie and their parents Chester Sr. & Shirley (Beckman) Nettestad. During Chet’s upbringing, the virtue of service to others and service to country was deeply instilled. Chester’s servant heart took root at a young age. As a Boy Scout, Chet achieved the rank of Triple Palm Eagle Scout.

Chester was baptized at Ringsaker Lutheran Church. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, where he remained a lifelong member. He graduated from Pelican Rapids High School with the Class of 1965. During his junior year of high school, Chet enlisted in the Army National Guard. After graduating from high school, Chet attended Moorhead Technical School.

On May 21, 1970, Chester married Paulette Bowers at Faith Lutheran Church in Pelican. They were high school sweethearts who connected through a dare at a local Pelican dance. They enjoyed 54 years and 11 months of married life. Together, they raised two daughters: Kristin and Shonda. Chet was always so proud of “his two girls” and they have wonderful memories of summer at Lake Lida and their father daughter trip to Norway. He made many memories with his four grandchildren by sharing his passionate love of nature, State Parks and listening to Rock & Roll.

Chester had a 30-year career in the military. He served 8 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard 136th Infantry Division as a medic. He served 22 years with the Happy Hooligans of the North Dakota Air National Guard where he reached the rank of Master Sergeant. Chet honored his military service by serving in the Color Guard representing the American Legion Post 17 in Pelican Rapids. You could find him proudly carrying the flag at local parades and honoring military members at their funerals.

Chet’s work career was in the communications industry as a lineman with Northwestern Bell Telephone, and as a network technician with US West, Qwest and Century Link. During his employment, Chet was a member of the Communication Workers of America. He was the President of CWA Local 7219, President of CWA Retirees Local 7219 and President of Lakes Area Telephone Pioneers.

Chester’s servant heart continued throughout his life. Chet was very active in local politics and the DFL. During his time as a Mason with the Otter Tail Lodge #284, he was awarded the prestigious Hiram Award and enjoyed his time with the El Zagel Shrine Color Guard. Chester served on various local boards and committees and during his retirement was a driving force in reopening the Pelican Rapids Pool Hall as a non-profit.

Chet spent his last days at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes. There, along with Hospice of the Red River Valley, he received loving care from staff who understood and managed his needs. He was surrounded by his family in the days leading to his passing and we are profoundly grateful for every moment we shared with him on this earth.

Thank you to all who helped support and look out for Chet. A special thank you to Marilyn Bengtson whose care and support enabled Chet to remain at home these final months.

Chet will be remembered for his colorful storytelling and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. His passion of caring for others, spending time in nature and, of course, talking politics will forever be missed.

Chester is survived by his wife, Paulette (Bowers) Nettestad; his two daughters, Kristin (David) Grommesh and Shonda (Adam) Chwialkowski; four grandchildren, Gavin and Collin Grommesh, and AJ and Hope Chwialkowski; brothers, Charles (Joanne) Nettestad, Michael (Sheri) Nettestad; sister, Kathie Nettestad; sister-in-law, Gerry Langseth; double cousins, Faye Sandvig and Bruce Nettestad; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Chester is preceded in death by his parents: Stella, Chester Sr. and Shirley Nettestad, his in-laws: Barney and Evelyn Bowers and Joseph Dunham and brother-in-law Les Langseth.

Chester Fredric Nettestad passed away April 14, 2025, after a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 78 years and 26 days. May his memory be blessed.

Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 24 from 5:00-7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 followed by a Masonic Service. The Funeral service will be on Friday, April 25 at 11:00. Directly following the service, Chester will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Ringsaker Cemetery with lunch served at Trinity.