Chester (Chet) Edwin Garness passed away at the age of 86 on June 28th, 2024, at home due to complications of cancer. Chet was born to Edwin and Selma Garness on August 11, 1937, in Newell, SD. One of four children, Chet spent his youth helping out on the farm, attending country schools, and graduating from Newell High School in May 1995. He went on to college at Augustana in Sioux Falls, earning a degree in Business Education. He followed up with many additions to his degree from several colleges in Minnesota. Chet went on to teach in Dufur, OR; Roscoe, SD; Peever, SD; Browns Valley, MN and spent the last 32 years before retirement at Chisago Lakes Area Schools in Chisago City/Lindstrom, MN.
In 1964, Chet married his wife Barbara (Nielsen) Garness at the Peever Lutheran Church. They have been blessed with almost 60 years of marriage. They have also been blessed and survived by 2 children: Jack E (Brenda) Garness of Crooks, SD and Lisa M (Jim) Haaf of Stafford, VA. They have 5 grandchildren: Dustin (Hezel) Garness of Hartford, SD; Cassandra (Jerry) Garness of Alcester, SD; Samantha (Austin) Van Asselt, of Hartford, SD; Aaron (Fiancé, Abby) Haaf (Marine Corps); and Andrew Haaf. They also have 2 great grandchildren: Keanu Morelos (Cassie and Jerry) and a baby on the way for Sami and Austin. Chet is also survived by his sister Mary Caswell of Thornton, CO, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents, his brother Raymond and his sister Elsie.
In 1961, Chet joined the National Guard where he served 2 months at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and 4 months at Fort Sill for Artillery School. He served in the guards until February 1968 as a Sergeant 1st Class.
In his later years, Chet loved to travel with family and friends. He especially enjoyed adventures with their camping crew, The Minnesota Loonies. They traveled all over the United States and Canada. The farmer in him loved gardening and taking care of his lawn. One of the many joys in his life was seeing his children be successful and the 100’s of students he taught over the years succeed and visit with him. Jack and Lisa gave their dad, Chet, golf clubs for retirement which he and Barb both enjoyed.
Before retirement, Chet took over Finance and Treasurer at Zion Lutheran Church. In 1988, Chet took over Treasurer and Keeper of the 3 cemeteries and eventually took over maintenance of two cemeteries along with John Hawkinson. He was scheduled to retire from the cemetery this past Memorial Day even before he knew of his health problems.
We want to thank all for their prayers and visits over this stressful time. We are asking for memorials to be directed to Zion Endowment Fund for school scholarships.
Memorial services will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City, MN as follows:
• Visitation on Friday, July 5th from 4-7 pm in the dining hall
• Service on Saturday, July 6th at 11 am with visitation preceding at 10 am
