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Pennsylvania State University

Charleen Kinser Obituary

Charleen Kinser January 23, 1934 - April 4, 2008 Charleen C. Kinser, 74, of Boalsburg, passed away Monday, April 7, 2008, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Surviving family members are Maggie and Brad Hohle and their children, Hannah, Tom, Molly and Bill; and a half-sister, Barbara Staepelaer, of Ben Lomond, Calif. Now at peace, Charleen joins her son, Tom Kinser (1961-1980), and her husband, Bill Kinser (1931-1999). In her youth, Charleen studied at Chouinard Art Institute and worked for the innovative animation studio UPA, in Burbank, Calif. and in London. Throughout her life she worked as an art director and designer, illustrator and production artist. She wrote several books on craft and design, and edited magazines on craft. From 1977 through 2001, she was the designer and owner of Charleen Kinser Designs, a studio of artisan's handcrafting playable soft sculpture. From childhood, Charleen was fascinated and inspired by nature's shapes and sounds. Her lifelong interests included wildlife ranging from birds to possums, weasels to crows. In her heart, the disruptive starling shared space with the elegant hummingbird. In kinship with other creators, Charleen channeled the beauty of her world and deeply appreciated the work and thoughts of a very wide range of individual minds. There will be no public services to honor Charleen's spirit. Instead, in respect to her most recent passion, her family would be pleased to have donations made to the Penn State research on Colony Collapse Disorder and honey bee health. Checks can be made out to Penn State University and sent to the Department of Entomology, Penn State University, 501 ASI Building, University Park, PA 16802, with a note stating that the funds are a gift to the Department of Entomology in support of work on CCD. A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Centre Daily Times on Apr. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Charleen Kinser

12 Entries

Kristen Rigney

November 13, 2008

Dear Maggie,
I didn't know your mom, unfortunately, but her work was a great inspiration for me. I think her book on soft sculpture is one of the best of its kind, because it shows her creative processes and inspires one to tap into one's own creativity, rather than copying someone else's style or designs. I believe that making art is something that all we humans need to do. Your mom's spirit is a gift to us all.

Marco Moroso

September 23, 2008

Dear Maggie,

my deepest condolences for the loss of your Mom.
She was an extraordinary woman, and an awesome delicate-hearth-driven designer.

Just today I got to know about this terrible news, browsing her website.
As a toy and plush designer I can say the "Toy Biz" lost one of its more brilliant Masters.
This loss will mark the days, and I do feel honored since I had the chance to met her in person once, many years ago, at the Toy Fair in New York.

Her smile, her charming words and sensibility and, last but not least, her valuable works will be always in my heart.

With sincere love to all of you,

Marco Moroso

Molly Hickey

August 29, 2008

Dear Maggie,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I had know idea until today. She was quite the lively lady. I loved her gardens and goats. My deepest condolences to you and the kids. Please call me when you get back to PA.
Your friend, Molly

A sheep from Charleen's pattern cuddles with some of my knitted creatures

Laurie Hunt

August 28, 2008

Charleen came into my life when I was a young bride, in 1973, with her "Flock to Stitch and Stuff" in the American Home Crafts magazine. I still have three of those magazines because of her designs, including the beautiful "Cradle of Reeds", Fall/Winter 1976. I would love to have the pattern for that cradle that I then didn't have the skill to make, as I now have a grandson on the way.

I've lost count of how many sheep I've sewn from Charleen's design, but I have many nieces and nephews who have loved them through the years. My 40 year old niece still talks about "Barnaby Lamb" and my 30 year old son uses his sheep as his pillow. I've don't know how many replacement sheep I've made for him over the years.

I'm so saddened to learn of Charleen's death. So many times I've intended to share with her how many people's lives she touched with that simple pattern. Today, as I sat down to finally write that letter I learn this sad news. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family.

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Cheryl Kingsley

June 13, 2008

I was shocked to hear (belatedly) of Charleen Kinser's passing, and so sad. She gifted my world - and those of many other collectors - with such a wide range of characters to share my life with. Her Louie bears are my favorite and I adopt any Tagalong or Louie Louie I can. I always wished she would make a gray mohair Louie and spent two years sewing mohair bears for myself in a fruitless search to create a bear as charming as Fudge, my first Louie Louie. Finally I realized that each bear is uniquely loveable, although none come close to Fudge. I also love Linden (Tom's Toad, Too) and the other leather toads Charleen created. He is truly a prince in the realm of my imagination. All my Kinsers and I send our sympathy to you, her family, who had the good fortune to share in her adventure firsthand.

Josh Heebner

April 29, 2008

Maggie & Family,
I'm so sad to hear of your mothers passing. I worked for your mother as my first job at the age of 14. For many years your mom, and at times your dad, helped to teach me many lessons related to life and responsibility. I always admired both of them for their amazing strength and knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sue McFadden

April 26, 2008

To Maggie and Family,

I express my deepest sympathies to you and your family. My Mom and I worked for your Mom in the early eighties. She made such beautiful creations and it was an honor to work under her tutolage! She was and is a remarkable artist, woman and human being! I will miss her so! She was instrumental in my development as a doll artist. I am truly touched and humbled. Maggie, may whatever was great in her travel with you and your loved ones. Please take care. I think of you. Love, Sue McFadden (my Mom was Margene Holderman)

Patt Dietlin

April 23, 2008

I sign with a heart that is heavy. At peace, to join her son Tom and husband Bill; Charleen's creative spirit flies free with the wind and the rain. Rest easy Charleen, and thank you for who you were and are - and thank you for the cloak of memories I shall put on. To those left behind, I wish the fragrance of a sudden summer rainstorm - earth's tears to renew that which is parched.

Cheri Stinson

April 22, 2008

My most sincere condolences. I am a collector of Charleen's work and I cannot put into words the joy I get from them. She had a rare and special talent that brought many people happiness. She will be missed.

Barb Weaver

April 15, 2008

I didn't know Charleen, but remember her charming, fanciful creations. My condolences to family and friends.

Ron Adams

April 14, 2008

Our best wishes for Charleen's family and friends on her passing. How fitting to have donations for CCD as her service back to the nature that she so loved.

susan gaut

April 13, 2008

sorry to hear about your loss i worked for charleen for 20 years

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