Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

A humble man of many talents, Charles E. Hurst found eternal rest on March 23, 2023, in the company of his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Ellen, and his children Katie, Brendan, and Sarah. Chuck’s lifetime of intellectual curiosity and service to others began in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Working an array of different jobs to support his pursuit of higher education, Chuck earned both his BS and MS in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His early teaching forays took him to the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley and Green Bay Centers where serendipity intervened and he met Mary Ellen. Upon moving to La Crosse in 1965 for another teaching position, Chuck resolved that he and Mary Ellen should never part. They were wed in Appleton in June 1966. Thereafter, the young couple relocated to Storrs, Connecticut, so that Chuck could continue his Ph.D. studies in Sociology (completed in 1972). Upon returning to La Crosse, the couple welcomed their first child, Katie. A period of much change, Chuck and Mary Ellen made lifelong friends, grew as a couple, and were joined by their second child, Brendan. Two years later, daughter Sarah completed this tight-knit family of five.

Chuck’s notable academic career continued at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, where in 1970 he began as Assistant Professor of Sociology. Ensuing success in the classroom and as an author led to his promotion in 1975 to Associate Professor, and finally to full Professor in 1980, in which role he served until his retirement in 2008. During his College of Wooster tenure, he also served several terms as chairman of the sociology department. This fruitful portion of Chuck’s career saw the publishing of eight editions of his seminal textbook, Social Inequality: Forms, Causes and Consequences, the transcripts of which Mary Ellen occasionally helped edit between late-night chocolate runs. A second book, Living Theory: The Application of Classical Social Theory To Contemporary Life, followed in 2005. An Amish Paradox, co-authored in 2006 with Dr. David McConnell, marked a sizable contribution to the study of Amish communities and their intersection with modern society. Numerous scholarly articles, paper presentations, speeches, and guest lectures punctuated Chuck’s contribution to higher learning. Perhaps most telling, Chuck was consistently and universally celebrated by students and fellow academics alike for a passionate and creative approach to sociology that made complex concepts accessible to all. Upon retirement, Chuck continued to enjoy conversation and camaraderie with “the Coffee Boys” at the College, as well as many longtime colleagues and friends.

Despite the demands of a full career and growing family, throughout his life Chuck sought opportunities to serve. From 2002 to 2020 Chuck was an active participant on the Board of Trustees for the College Hills Retirement Village in Wooster, Ohio. He also volunteered at Wooster Community Hospital, the Ohio Agriculture and Research Development Center (OARDC), The Wooster Hope Center, and People To People Ministries. Frequent charitable contributions to many causes further demonstrated Chuck and Mary Ellen’s commitment to the betterment of their community.

Never one to turn away an opportunity to take his children fishing, to the park, a shopping mall, or on a trip back to Wisconsin, Chuck’s actions made it clear that his family stood above all else. Few would work harder than Chuck at his occupation, and still return home to cook dinner, mow the yard, and walk the dog with his kids. Most of all, Chuck’s devotion to Mary Ellen evinced a love and fidelity seldom seen in couples of any era. In unity they persevered through setbacks and times of loss, celebration and moments of uncertainty, living a rich and full life through almost 60 years. Additionally, Chuck cherished traveling with family, gardening, watching Westerns, and time fishing, camping, and relaxing outdoors.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Hurst (Flanagan), daughters Katie (Brent) Gledhill and Sarah (Chris) Hopp, and son Brendan (Alicia Angelo). To the end, he treasured the company of grandchildren Maddy and Rowan Gledhill and Carson and Charlotte Hopp. Also surviving are brothers Ronald (Jean) Hurst, Richard (Sue) Hurst, and Bob (Malou) Hurst, and sister Rose Hurst. He was preceded in death by parents Charles E. and Victoria E. Hurst (Wojciechowski) and sister Diane (Marvin) Wensel. Chuck viewed his in-laws as true family and is survived by brothers-in-law Tom (Barb) Flanagan, Mike Flanagan, Patrick (Brad Cantrell) Flanagan, Conner Van Doren, and sister-in-law Kathleen (Keenan Behrle) Flanagan. He was preceded in death by father and mother-in-law Thomas J. and Beulah E. Flanagan (Green), as well as sister-in-law Maureen Van Doren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH.  Private family burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, OH.

The family gratefully acknowledges the expert and thoughtful care provided by Dr. Eric Smith, the clinical oncology, neurosurgery, and radiation teams at the Cleveland Clinic, and Ohio Lifecare Hospice. In remembrance of Chuck’s life and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the following:

  • The College of Wooster, Attn: The Charles E. Hurst Prize in Sociology and Anthropology, 1189 Beall Ave, Wooster, OH 44691
  • The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Foundation, Attn: The Charles E. Hurst Scholarship Fund, 1440 E North St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
  • Ohio Lifecare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd, Wooster, OH 44691

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com

14 Comments

  1. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of the entire family and sending our deepest sympathies.

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  2. Such an accomplished yet modest man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family during this sad time.

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  3. My deepest condolences go to all of you. I am so sorry to hear about Chuck. May God hold him dear.

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  4. My sympathies to Mary Ellen, Katie, Brendan and Sarah. I was fortunate to have Charlie as my brother. He was truly one of the best human beings I have ever known, going all the way back to our childhood. He was always kind, caring, mild-mannered and so darn funny at times with barely trying. A bright light has burned out, and the world is a bit darker now that he is gone. However, he also made it a better place while he was in it.

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  5. My deepest condolences to the Hurst family. The Blair family had the honor of being friendly with the Hurst family, and I experienced the pleasure of being a student of his. Thinking of all of you.

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  6. I have very fond memories of “Uncle Charlie,” from my childhood. I always enjoyed his company. He impressed me me as smart, and sincere, and also fun-loving. His academic achievements were also impressive, accomplished through his own initiatives and perseverance, starting from humble origins. He strongly influenced my educational and professional path.

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  7. I didn’t know Charles but he sounds like a wonderful person.

    His obituary was the finest I have ever read. Congrats to the person who composed it. It was a wonderful summation of Charles’ life. It makes me wish I had known Charles.

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  8. So very sorry to hear of Uncle Charlie’s passing. I hope that the lifetime of lovely memories brings each of you some peace at this very sad time.

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  9. So sorry to read about Prof Hurst’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family.

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  10. I am honored and eternally grateful to have had Chuck as my father-in-law. When I first met him nearly twenty years ago, his warm smile and genuine interest in getting to know me instantly put me at ease. His thoughtfulness and generosity always made me feel like a cherished part of the family. He invariably asked how I was doing and what I was up to. Every time I saw Chuck he’d inquire about my parents and siblings, even as his health declined. Throughout my time knowing Chuck he was always excited to try new things and travel to new places. He even attended my Yoga Practicum just a few years ago. Chuck was a loving father and husband who had a deep love for and understanding of others. It is truly a unique person who can help people feel like they are intrinsically important no matter their background or personality. Chuck will be dearly missed!

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  11. Chuck was first my Independent Study advisor and years later, my colleague. I’ve always appreciated his thoughtful, insightful teaching, advising and dedication to the field of Sociology. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to learn from him!

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  12. Prof. Hurst was my IS advisor 20 years ago. I always looked forward to our weekly meetings. I don’t actually remember the sociology topics we discussed but I do remember him talking about his wife who worked at the local hospital and his daughter and grandchildren who lived in London.

    He came to the IS parade when I asked him and wrote me letters of recommendation to multiple graduate programs… because I kept changing my mind about my career path. He was always a good sport and was always happy to help.
    I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

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  13. Professor Chuck Hurst was my favorite Sociology prof at The College of Wooster, where I worked in the PEC office for 16 years, and took classes as a non-traditional older student for 9 years, majoring in Sociology & Religious Studies. Professor Hurst was always very supportive, encouraging, & understanding of the other demands on my life. I wish I would have taken more classes from him. He really opened my eyes & those of many others to the causes of social inequality, & helped us form a wider world view. He will be missed by many. I am so sorry that illness kept me from the services; I would have been there. I am grateful to have worshipped with him & his family at my home church, St. Mary’s.
    My warmest & sincerest condolences to the Hurst family. Know that many others share in your sadness & grief, & that Chuck is now resting in the Loving Arms of Jesus. Blessings of Peace, Deborah

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  14. “My heart goes out to you for the loss of my uncle & friend. He meant a lot to us all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.”

    Wendy Aguirre & Family

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