Chester Lee (Chet) Goodheart, 80, met Jesus on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, in his home. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Norma Jean Goodheart, and their two daughters and their families – Teresa and Mike Gates of Fairplay CO and Colleen Jensen of Loveland CO, four grandchildren, Jennifer Jensen of Westminster, CO, Ryan (Cassie) Gates of Gunnison, CO, Megan Jensen of Thornton CO, David (Erin) Gates of Denver, CO. He also took great joy in his two great-grandchildren, Amelia Ouedraogo and Henry Gates.
He is also survived by his two brothers, Loren (Clarene) Goodheart of Stockton, KS, and Earl (Trudy) Goodheart of Spearman, TX and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Floyd “Bud” and Maxine Goodheart, a brother Dean Goodheart, father and mother in law, Floyd and Vivian Brandenburg and his grandparents.
Chet was born in Hays Kansas on February 24, 1940 to Floyd and Maxine (Sellens) Goodheart. He was the second born of four boys and was raised on a farm in Russell County Kansas. He attended a two-room school at Sellens Creek District #58 in grades 1-8 and then graduated from Russell High School in 1958. This is where he met Norma Jean Brandenburg and after a courtship, married in May of 1960. He attended Fort Hays KS State College where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts in May 1963, was a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau – International Honor Society in Industrial Vocation Education. He also earned his Master of Arts degree at Colorado State College (University of Northern Colorado), Greeley CO in August of 1967. Continuing his education, he took courses at C.S.U., Aims Community College and Western State College. Chet served in the United States Army, 388th Medical Depot and was activated during the 1962 Berlin Crisis. After moving to Loveland Colorado, his career spanned 30 years in Secondary Education teaching Industrial Arts and Driver’s Education. His carpentry classes built several houses in cooperation with the Loveland Board of Realtors. In addition, as part of his service to his community, Chet also served as a reserve police officer with the Loveland Police Department.
He operated a small furniture refinishing and stripping business for a time. He loved working with wood and at the time of his death was in his work shop. For the last 28 years, Chet and Norma Jean have been involved in Loveland Chamber of Commerce’s Valentine Remailing Program in the role of chaperone for Miss Loveland Valentine. Chet always played a supportive role in making sure the car was always gassed and clean, took phone calls to help with scheduling and escorted Norma Jean and Miss Valentine to many events. This included many visits to the Colorado State Capital and Governor’s office. How fitting that the “Good Heart”s were involved in this program? The red valentine heart has become their symbol for life for both their name and the program that became so much a part of their life.
Chet also loved the Lord with all his heart and lived his life in His service. We are comforted to know that he stepped into heaven hearing “Well done my good and faithful servant”. He was a member of Faith Evangelical Church and was an Elder and part of the Security Team.
Chet will be forever remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and prankster ways. He was always quick to laugh and share a joke. He enjoyed playing cards and socializing with friends. He loved the game of golf, going to breakfast with friends, and working in the yard. His interest was also in the family farm and continuing the legacy.
We thank God for his time on earth with us and know that he is with his Savior. We are heartbroken and will miss him daily. Thank you to all who shared your life with him. We are forever grateful for these friendships and continued love.
A celebration of Chet’s life will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, January 29, 2021, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Military honors will follow and be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Viewing of Chet will be held at the mortuary on Friday from 9 A.M. to service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Faith Evangelical Church, and sent to 2707 N. Wilson Ave, Loveland, Colorado 80537. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.