Forrest "Chip" Ammerman, 65, of Moorhead, Minnesota, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his lake home on Lake Lida.

Chip was born March 1, 1961, in Roseau, Minnesota, to Forrest and Lavonne (Erickson) Ammerman. Chip grew up in Roseau with his high school sweetheart Kristi, graduating in 1979.

After high school, Chip moved to Moorhead to attend Concordia College, where he played hockey and earned a degree in social work and psychology in December 1983. He moved to Rolla, North Dakota to work in child protection, marking the beginning of a career in social work that would last more than four decades. On June 16, 1984, he married Kristi Haugen in Roseau. In 1987, Chip and Kristi returned to Moorhead, where they built their life and raised their family. They welcomed two sons, Jon, in 1987, and Ben, in 1990. Chip took great pride in being their father. Chip worked full time while continuing his education, earning his Master of Science in Child Development and Family Science from North Dakota State University in May 2000.

Chip spent the majority of his professional life at Cass County Social Service, eventually becoming the director, where he held that position until he retired in 2020. After his retirement from Cass County, he continued working with Red River Children’s Advocacy, an agency he helped bring to North Dakota until 2022. After his time at RRCA he returned to work with youth at Rural Minnesota CEP where his passion for helping and mentoring youth continued until his retirement in May 2026.

He had a servant’s heart, and it showed well beyond his professional career. He spent countless hours coaching and mentoring young athletes, helping kids build confidence and learn life lessons. His work with youth hockey was a lasting legacy. Chip served as a coach, hockey director, and mentor to all in the hockey community.

Chip had a genuine interest in others. Whatever was important to you, was important to Chip. He had a witty sense of humor, was always willing to tackle a project, and give advice when asked. Time with Chip meant you were included.

It was never about the game or the destination, he just wanted to be wherever his family was. In the stands watching Jon coach, on a trip with Ben and Stephanie, supporting Denetre with her latest project, and early morning walks with Bessie. He loved spending time with his grandchildren; taking Crue to the movies, sharing how proud he was of Halen and all her accomplishments, laughing at Henley’s jokes, and watching Palmer do just about anything. Above all, he was happiest with Kristi by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kristi (Haugen) Ammerman; his sons, Jonathan (Denetre) Ammerman and Benjamin (Stephanie) Ammerman; his grandchildren, Halen, Crue, Henley, and Palmer; his siblings, Rocky (Barb) Ammerman, Bev (Dave) Thompson, Doug (Holly) Ammerman, and Rhonda (George) Biermaier; in-laws, Keith (Deb) Haugen, Danyce (Lee) Roppe, Daidre (Gaylan) Erickson, Kim (Steve) Czeh, Donn (Jodee) Haugen; and several nephews, nieces, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and LaVonne (Erickson) Ammerman; nieces, Dionne Ammerman, and Leslie (Ammerman) Rogalla; in-laws, Dennis Haugen and Joan (Taie) Haugen.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 7th St. S, Moorhead, with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., also at Trinity Lutheran Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Chip Ammerman Memorial Scholarship through the Moorhead Legacy Education Foundation.