Charles Robert “Chuck” Wurth, 64, of Harrison Lake, Fayette, died Monday afternoon, February 26, 2018, at the University of Toledo Medical Center, the result of an accident. He was born November 26, 1953, in Lima, OH, the son of the late Robert P. and Martha M. (Kahle) Wurth.
Chuck grew up on his family’s farm in rural Kalida, OH, where he graduated from high school in 1972. He furthered his education at The Ohio State University, where he received a degree in Wildlife Management in 1977, and later earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Toledo.
Chuck moved to Fayette in 1977, where he began employment with 4-H Camp Palmer, Inc., and served the camp in many capacities. In his early tenure, he served as a naturalist and in the winter with the maintenance department. For the past 25 years, since 1993, he served as Program Manager for the OSU Extension specializing in youth camping and challenge course programs. In the summer, his duties included hiring, training and mentoring program specialists that instructed canoeing, shooting sports, life guarding, high ropes, team building, and more. He was instrumental in founding and designing of the high ropes course, was an expert at knot tying, and was a leader of the popular Super Camp. He mentored, inspired, and changed the lives of thousands of 4-H members and counselors.
Chuck was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Fayette, where he was currently serving on Pastoral Council, taught in its Religious Education program, and was a minister of Holy Communion. He was also currently serving as an archery instructor and coach for Fayette and Swanton Schools, and was vice president and an instructor for the prestigious Buckeye Leadership Workshop.
An avid outdoorsman, Chuck had an appreciation for nature that he held in high regard his entire lif. He was a gentle soul and lived a simple life. He was a friend to all and never met anyone that he could not get along with.
Survivors include his seven siblings, Anne (Randy) Swary of Defiance, Steve (Jane) Wurth of Sylvania, Barbara (Jim) Vieira of Hilliard, Tim (Jane) Wurth of Cincinnati, Gerry (Cinda) Wurth of Lima, Janette (Andy) Cothrel of Oakwood, and Amy (Chris) Whisman of Germantown; 21 nieces and nephews; and five great-nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Eagle Funeral Home in Fayette on Friday, March 2, 2018, beginning at 2:00 p.m., concluding with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held Saturday morning at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kalida, from 9:30 a.m. until mass. The funeral mass for the soul of Chuck Wurth will be celebrated Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kalida, presided by Father Stephen Stanbery and Father Tom Extejt. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Chuck’s name are suggested to benefit 4-H Camp Palmer or Our Lady of Mercy Church. Friends can share memories and words of comfort with the family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.