Joseph J. Kockelmans

Joseph Kockelmans Obituary

Joseph J. Kockelmans December 1, 1923 - September 28, 2008 Joseph J. Kockelmans, 84, of State College, died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, at 1:05 a.m., at Mount Nittany Medical Center. A distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Penn State, Dr. Kockelmans was recognized worldwide as an expert in his field. He authored 21 books and a number of scholarly articles, and he lectured extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe and China. He was the Director of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Humanities at Penn State from 1973 to 1996. He was the President of the American Philosophical Association and a member of many professional societies in the United States and Europe, and was the Journal Editor of "Man and World". Professor Kockelmans was born Dec. 1, 1923, in Meersen, Limburg, The Netherlands, the fourth of seven children of the late Alphonse and Philomena Raven Kockelmans. His wife, Dorothy Greiner Kockelmans, preceded him in death on June 15, 2003. Surviving is a son, Joseph M. Kockelmans, of State College; a sister, Tiny Kockelmans Penris and her husband, Theo, of The Netherlands; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, with Monsignor David Lockard officiating, with a viewing in the church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College, Pa.

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Published by Centre Daily Times on Oct. 1, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kockelmans

8 Entries

Michael Blanco

September 28, 2009

Dr. Kockelman's scholarly and professional achievements are well known, and I can little more add to what is already here. More than anything else, he was a kind and humble gentleman.

Eric Weislogel

October 8, 2008

One of the defining experiences of my philosophical life was the course I took with Dr. Kockelmans on Aristotle's Ethics almost 20 years ago at Penn State. Dr. Kockelmans taught me to read carefully and thoughtfully. He showed me the way in which scholarship and genuine philosophizing can work together. I happen to be teaching again after an 11 year hiatus. The course I'm offering after this long break is on Aristotle's Ethics. So the course I had with Dr. Kockelmans so many years ago at Penn State continues to be my inspiration. Dr. Kockelmans was a patient and kind teacher, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have learned from him.

Emmy Deurzen

October 6, 2008

I valued his contribution to existential phenomenology greatly.

Heidi Marx-Wolf

October 3, 2008

Professor Kockelmans was one of the most important individuals in my academic and human development. He was on my doctoral committee at Pennstate from 1994-1999. And he served as a model for the kind of scholar I am and mentor I hope to be to my students. About seven years ago, I went back to graduate school to do another PhD, this time in Ancient History. When I told Professor Kockelmans of my plan, he was a bit skeptical. He wanted to see me settled in a nice philosophy position. But part of my motivation for continuing my studies was his example as a scholar - someone who could work in about 10 different languages and who knew both the philosophy of multiple epochs, but also the historical context for ideas. He was, to a great extent, the inspiration behind the work I am doing now. During my time at Pennstate, Professor Kockelmans was especially generous with his time helping me learn and acquire proficiency at Latin and Middle High German for my study of Meister Eckhart. Every week, he would patiently work through passages with me. This time in his quiet office with the high windows and shelves and shelves of books was like a sort of sanctuary for me. Not only would we translate, but he would also point out key ideas, their philosophical antecedents, and how concepts changed over time. Our conversation would also drift to other topics, mostly to music from the medieval and renaissance periods. He would often make recordings for me of his favorite pieces from Hildegard of Bingen and I would bring him choral music of Josquin Dupres. He was a truly kind and generous person. He looked out for and after all the students who had the honor and pleasure of working with him in many different capacities, whether in his classes or under his doctoral mentorship. I have missed Professor Kockelmans since moving away from Pennsylvania almost ten years ago, and I have kept him in heart and mind in a way that will continue now - with fondness and gratitude.

Gordon N. Fleming

October 2, 2008

I had the good fortune to meet Joe Kockelmans in the late 60's, shortly after I joined the Physics department at Penn State. We collaborated in interdisciplinary teaching and conference organizing. He was a colleague and friend of remarkable intellectual gifts and professional achievement. In the 90's our paths drifted apart, but, by a stroke of luck, we reconnected for the last two years of his life to share reading, reminiscence and reflection. At a time when one has occassion to doubt the human capacity to avoid self destructive behaviour, Joe provided an inspiring example of a cultivated, humane and immensely civilized life.

Jan Jagiellowicz

October 1, 2008

I had the pleasure of being taught by Professor Kockelmans while a Graduate student in Leuven Belgium. I particularly remember his enthusiasm for philosophy and his students. He had a very special way of making each and everyone of us feel special. I am a better person for knowing him.
Jan Jagiellowicz
Wellesley,Canada.

Duane Davis

October 1, 2008

Joseph Kockelmans taught me what I needed to know in order to discover who I wanted to become. I often tell my students that he taught me how to read in graduate school, in the most important sense of being a "careful reader." I am glad that I was able to convey to him how much he meant to me professionally and personally, but I also know that it would be impossible for me to have expressed that sufficiently.

Michael Blanco

October 1, 2008

Like many others, Dr. Kockelmans guided me through graduate school at Penn State with a level of grace and scholarship that few others attain. I had the good fortune of being able to connect with him again in his twilight years, and he was as delightful then as always. Much of whatever success I have attained over the past twenty years I owe in part to Dr. Kockelmans.

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