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Friends of Geography--
Dr. Charles Gildersleeve, professor of geography at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and one of the founders of the Geographic Educators of Nebraska, died peacefully in his sleep early Saturday morning, October 10, 2009. He was 69. Though Dr. Gildersleeve had been undergoing treatment for cancer of the jaw, the cause of death is thought to have been from a heart attack or possibly a blood clot. "Chuck" Gildersleeve was born in Iowa and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He taught at the University of Nebraska-Omaha for 45 years. He is survived by his wife, Pat, and three daughters. Full obituary below. Flowers from GEON will be sent to the private family memorial being held this week.
You may read and/or sign the online guest book at: http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=6240721728223&eid=viewgb_101209 From the Omaha World-Herald of October 12, 2009: Charles R. Gildersleeve
Gildersleeve, Charles R.
Age 69
Survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Pat; children, Joanna (Joe) Maffitt, Debra Gildersleeve and Cynthia Gildersleeve; grandchildren, Tyler and Kirsten; sister, Pam (Hub) Tett; nephews, nieces and many colleagues and good friends. Charles, known to his colleagues as "Chuck", was a Professor of Geography in the Department of Geography-Geology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha where he had taught since 1964. He served as Chair of the Department from 1981-1988. He lived his early life in Zearing, IA which was known to thousands of students in his classes as Cupcake Corners and home of the 40 horse hitch. He earned his doctorate in Geography from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1978, his M.A. in Geography at the University of Arizona in 1964 and his B.S. in Business Administration and Regional Planning at the University of Arizona in 1961. His first love was teaching and over his career taught nearly 20,000 students in college classes. His primary teaching interests were in urban, economic and educational geography. He won numerous teaching awards at the University as well as from national professional groups and was extremely popular with students who regularly mentioned him in evaluations as a teacher "who made a difference" in their lives. Chuck was also very active in outreach to the community. He gave hundreds of talks and workshops to classes and teachers in K-12 schools around the state. He was a co-founder of the Geographic Educators of Nebraska (GEON) and was faculty coordinator of the group from 1987-2007. He also was responsible for running the Nebraska Geographic Bee from 1988-2007 under the aegis of the National Geographic Society, in which tens of thousands of students learned to hone their geography skills and compete for trips to Washington D.C. Besides serving on numerous University committees he also served on the Omaha Planning Board from 1980-1985 and was active in working with various community groups and serving on statewide and local education committees.
The family is planning a private funeral for a later date. Memorials may be sent to the University of Nebraska Foundation in care of the Charles Gildersleeve Geography Scholarship Fund.
JOHN A. GENTLEMAN MORTUARIES
72nd STREET CHAPEL
1010 North 72nd St., 391-1664
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