It is with the deepest respect that we dedicate our derby pages

in Fond Memory
of our good friend,

Chet Bauermeister

It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to our long time friend and derby driver, Chet Bauermeister. In 1988, Chet joined the derby roster as a judge. It took that one experience on foot and facing 12 combines to encourage him to get on the other side of the event, driving his own combine. With the exception of one year, (2009) Chet was a participant in every derby. With a string of 23 derbies, Chet's purple combine became a familiar icon in the pit area as well as in the arena.

Chet was dedicated to the derby, and although the combine model and color has changed, he always drove a brightly colored and eye-catching machine. (His last combine was an IH 1480.)  He was a true competitor and always a threat in the arena. He wreaked havoc with his opponents who tried to push him around and the Purple People Eater usually limped from the arena with a few dents, cracks, scrapes, and missing parts. However, with a good pit crew, the combine was always repaired and Chet usually was back in the arena for the next round.  Chet never did win the Grand Prize, but he earned a few heat victories, and he always earned  respect and admiration from a very appreciative crowd. Chet had a huge fan base!

Chet was a wonderful example of a true sportsman. He was always ready to do battle on the playing field. The Lind Lions Club, derby drivers, their crews and the derby committees had tremendous respect for their good friend.  He was a joy to work with, dependable, and loyal to his commitment in the arena.

Although Chet leaves behind heartaches, he also leaves all of us with the treasured memory of a fine man, a loyal participant, and good friend. We will never forget!