Charles Frederick Hamsa

1938 - 2016

Charles Frederick Hamsa

LAFAYETTE - Charles (Chuck) Frederick Hamsa (78) passed away peacefully at home with his loving family close by on Monday, November 28, 2016. He was born on July 17, 1938 to William R. Hamsa, Sr. and Anna Marie Brodegaard Hamsa in Omaha, Nebraska.

Chuck grew up in Nebraska, graduating from Benson High in 1957. Most of his summers were spent at his favorite cabin on Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack, MN. He attended the University of Omaha until he joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed most of his service in Japan. He returned and finished his B.S. in History in 1964. He met his wife, Sara shortly before he graduated. They were married on June 11, 1966 in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

After they married Chuck attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and obtained a M.S. in Latin American History in Jan. 1969 and then a M.S. in Library Science from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, KS in August of 1969.

In the fall of 1969 Chuck accepted a position at the University of Southwest Louisiana (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in Dupre Library. He served as Acquisition Librarian for many years then worked in the Reference Department until his retirement in 1999. In 2007 Chuck and Sara moved to Cedar Park, TX to be closer to their son and his family.

Chuck's interests were many and varied. He was involved with the organizing of the Acadian Village in Lafayette, member at Grace Presbyterian Church where he was a Deacon/Elder, blacksmithing at the Village, member of the Masonic Order, being "Papa Noel" for many years in both Louisiana and on the Austin Steam Train in Texas in his special outfit, and a member of Hope Presbyterian Church. He was also an avid supporter of Living History attending many rendezvous around the country for over 20 years. He played the accordion for many years with small groups. He was on the Cedar Park Tourist Board when the Veteran's Park was started. He co-authored several books with his mentor Dr. Norman Heard. His love of life was a treasure and he lived it to the end.

Chuck and Sara were blessed with one son Michael Boyden Hamsa and daughter-in-law Julie Richardson Hamsa, three beautiful grandchildren, Emily Nicole, Matthew William, and Amanda Katherine.

Chuck is survived his wife, son, one brother William R. Hamsa Jr., seven nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please send donation to your favorite charity in his memory.