Charles F. Gunther, III

Charles F. Gunther III, 78, passed away October 5, 2011 at Swan Creek after years of declining health. Charlie was born April 7, 1933 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Charles Frederick Gunther II and Nellie (Ferguson) Gunther. He graduated from Williams College in 1955 with a Bachelors degree in Art History. After receiving his Masters degree in Fine Arts in 1958 from the University of Colorado, he accepted a job with the Toledo Museum of Art. Under Director Otto Whitman Charlie served as the Assistant Director of Education, developing a program that gave the museum national recognition as the first museum to allow children to work in the galleries. Charlie worked on the logistics of arranging the gathering of artists that would result in the pioneering collaboration of the Studio Glass program with artist like Dominick Labino, Dale Chihuly, Harvey Littleton and Marvin Lipofsky. He brought many interns to work with the museum’s educational programs; many of whom would go on to become Directors of their institutions, including the Museum’s past Director Roger Berkowitz. In 1965 he was recognized for civic and professional involvement being named one of the ten Outstanding Young Men of Toledo. For 25 years he also served as the Chairman of the University of Toledo Art Department. Many children in Toledo will remember the certificates they received with his signature from the Saturday Art Program he oversaw. In 1990 staff cut backs forced him to leave the Museum. In recognition for his years of service to the arts community, the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo honored him with the President’s Award. After leaving the Museum, Charlie spent many years lecturing and teaching in area colleges, Elderhostel programs and to numerous civic groups. Summers were spent at the family home in North Adams, MA where he consulted on the initial development of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. He lived a lifelong dream by playing the part of Santa for ten years at the old Southwyck Mall. He was a past member of Sertoma Club, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Maumee, and a longtime, dedicated member of the Tile Club. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Donald Gunther; sisters Dorothy Owens and Marjorie Gunther. Charlie is survived by his wife Barbara of 56 years; his children Beth Sheets (Charlie) of Maumee, Karen Gunther of Dallas and Margaret Hentges (Jim) of Perrysburg; grandchildren Amy and Kathleen Sheets and Megan, Robert and Nicholas Hentges. Family and friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Friday, October 28th from 4- 8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 30th at 3 p.m., with a dinner celebrating Charlie’s life to follow, at First Presbyterian Church of Maumee, 200 East Broadway, Maumee. Those wishing to honor Charlie with a memorial contribution are asked to donate to Swan Creek Retirement Village, Spiritual Life Fund.

Charles F. Gunther, III

April 7, 1933 - October 5, 2011