Charles McFarland Tschanz

Charles McFarland "Mac" Tschanz was born 9 July 1926 in Mackay, Idaho, the fifth of six children of Myra and Otto Tschanz. He completed high school in three years, graduating in 1943, and attended the University of Idaho (Pocatello) until enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1944. After two years of service, with duty in the Pacific, he returned to college at the University of Idaho (Moscow). In 1949 he earned a B.S. in Geological Engineering from Idaho and in 1951 an M.S. in Geology from Stanford University. His entire professional career (1949-1982) was spent with the U.S. Geological Survey. During the 1950's he did exploration and mapping in New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada. During the 1960's he helped to establish a Bolivian Geological Survey and guided a geology project in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. During 1970's he worked in central Idaho and wrote the Bulletin on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Following retirement in 1982 he was a full time volunteer and director of the "In Jesus Name Shelter" which provided 88, 000 person nights of shelter for the homeless during its nine year ministry. Receiving no government funds, the shelter was supported entirely by various churches in the western metro Denver area. To keep the Shelter running on a very small budget, Mac often picked up day old food from local groceries and collected unwanted furniture for his clients when they moved into an apartment. Mac supported the Kairos Prison Ministry and served on three ministry teams in Colorado. He later helped overseas refugees, especially by finding them work. Mac married Virginia Knobel, of Grand Junction, in 1958. After living many years in Lakewood the Tschanz's moved in 2005 to Covenant Village in Westminster. Mac was an active member of the Epiphany Anglican Fellowship in Lafayette, Colorado. In addition to his wife, Mac is survived by a sister, Patricia Thompson of Yakima, Washington, three children Tor Tshanz of Lyons, Michael Tschanz of Lakewood, and Laurel Fowler (Mrs. Michael) of Arvada, as well as seven grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Salvation Army or to your favorite charity.