Charles W. Hunsberger

Charles Hunsberger, born in rural Elkhart County, died of natural causes, in Reno, Nevada, 14 July 2024.

After attending local elementary and secondary schools, Charles graduated from Bethel College with a BA, and entered missionary service with the United Missionary Church, serving for nine years, including seven years in Nigeria, West Africa.

After his missionary service, Charles received his MS in Library Science from Indiana University and became Director of the Columbia City library and then Director of the Monroe County Library, in Bloomington in 1964. In 1971, Charles became Director of the Las Vegas and Clark County libraries, where he served until his retirement in 1993.

As a boy, Charles had little access to books and art and so made it his mission to provide access to both, while Library Director. While Director of the Las Vegas and Clark County libraries, he increased the number of libraries by establishing over 20 new locations, always ensuring these included spaces for the arts. Charles received the Nevada Governor’s Arts Award, for service to the Arts in 1989. The Library Board President said of Charles, “he is a visionary and leader for the advancement of Libraries both locally and nationally.” Charles was active in the Rotary Club, and was a charter member, past President, and Paul Harris Fellow, in the Paradise Rotary Club, of Las Vegas. Charles was a member of the International Library Director’s Association and traveled internationally each year with that group.

Charles is survived by his sisters, Ruth, of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Rosemary, of Sarasota, Florida; his sons, Jon of Bloomington, Jerry of Reno, Nevada; a daughter, Jane, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Charles was predeceased by his partner of 56 years, Nancy Hudson, his parents, Charles and Emma, and three brothers, Arlo, Arthur, and James, and a granddaughter.

The family sincerely thanks the staff of Five Star Premier Residences of Reno, especially the caregivers in Assisted Living, for their devoted care of Charles during his last weeks.

There will be no public services. A private interment will take place at Yellow Creek Cemetery in Goshen.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite Library Fund or your local Public Radio.