Chetan Offord – Byron

Chetan Paul Offord, 37, of Byron died Saturday August 29, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa following  a heart attack.

Chetan was born January 18, 1978 to Kenneth and Janice  (Johnson) Offord in Rochester, MN. He graduated from Byron High School in 1996 and from St. John's University  in Collegeville, MN in 2000 with a degree in Mathematics. At the University of Colorado Boulder he received a master's degree in Applied Mathematics.

Chetan was currently employed as a research mathematician in Molecular Medicine at Mayo Clinic. This work focused on cancer related investigations.  He had a creative and critical thinking approach to challenging problems and was highly valued by his collaborators.

His leisure activities involved playing and coaching youth and traveling soccer. At Byron High School he was the soccer team's first goalie. His gentle and engaging way of dealing  with children made him a respected coach. He played goalie on many Rochester adult teams where his tenacious and competitive spirit shined. Serious card playing, computer gaming and fishing for northerns in Canadian waters complimented his happy nature.

His body was donated to the Iowa Donor's Network from which many transplant recipients will benefit.

He is survived by his long time and extremely special soulmate Elisabeth Skoro of Rochester;  his parents;  maternal grandmother Cleo Johnson of Rochester; brother Josiah of Minneapolis;  brother Jess and Grace (Davis) Offord and their children Landon, Stella and Clay, and many other relatives.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. John's University in Collegeville, MN or for scholarships to the Byron Youth Soccer program.

Visitation will be on Wednesday Sept. 2nd from 5-8 PM at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel, 1105 12 ^th St. SE in Rochester. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday Sept. 3rd at 11 AM at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 4135 18 ^th Ave NW in Rochester,  with a one hour visitation before the service. Burial will be at the Byron Community Cemetery.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.