Robert J. Wickenheiser PhD

OLEAN - Robert J. Wickenheiser, PhD, of Olean, died peacefully surrounded by his caring wife and family on Wednesday (Nov. 25, 2015).

Robert was the loving husband of Patricia Akers Wickenheiser and is also survived by his daughter, Kari of Tucson, Ariz.; his daughter, Kristin, wife of Scott Halpin, and their sons Braedon, Keagen, Trentin and Colten of Westbrookville; his daughter, Kathryn of West Bridgewater, Mass.; his son, Kort, husband of Cathy and their sons Chase, Chris and Jackson of Clarks Summit, Pa.; and his son, Kyle, husband of Harneet and their daughter Isabella and son Benjamin of Dallas, Pa. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Muckenhirn of Mahnomen, Minn.; his brothers, Alvin J. Wickenheiser of Lindenhurst and James J. Wickenheiser of Bismarck, N.D.; and many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by his two sisters, Lorraine and Vi; and brother, Tom.

He was the son of the late Joseph P. and Margaret Schmidt Wickenheiser.

Robert was the retired president of St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, where he served for nine years as the University's first lay president. He was the former president of Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Md., where, at one time, he was the youngest college president in the United States, and where he served for 16 years. The Maryland State Senate recognized his "exemplary leadership" during his tenure at the Mount. He served as the president of the Princeton Adult School and was an assistant professor at Princeton University in New Jersey, where he taught for seven years.

Robert received his doctorate and masters in English literature from the University of Minnesota in 1970, and his bachelor of arts in philosophy from St. Benedict's College and Abbey in Atchison, Kan., in 1965. He attended St. John's Preparatory School in Collegeville, Minn., and grew up in Strasburg, N.D., in a loving family with six brothers and sisters.

Robert was a collector of books, passionately specializing in the 17th century poet John Milton and the contemplative poems of George Herbert. He was considered to be a scholar of John Milton and amassed one the largest libraries of his works. Today his collection of books and artwork are housed at the University of South Carolina.

Robert was a devout Catholic, serving as a Benedictine monk, belonging to Assumption Abbey in Richardton, N.D., for four years. His commitment to faith continued through his marriage and career. He was an active member of St. John's Parish in Olean.
In passing, Robert hoped that through his donation to the Upstate New York Transplant Services he would be able to help many families. To those who knew him, Robert was the embodiment of faith and family. He had a deep love for Catholic education and the communities he served. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, whose kind words and thoughts, infectious smile, dry wit and steadfast integrity will always be with those who knew him. He was a wonderful man and his family love him and miss him dearly.

There will be a memorial Mass of Christian Burial at noon Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2015) at St. John's Church, 931 N. Union St., Olean. The Rev. Edward Sheedy, pastor, and the Rev. Msgr. William O. Wangler, retired pastor, will concelebrate.

Flowers are respectively and gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in Robert's name to Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND 58652.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com.