Arthur Benjamin Gunlicks

1936 - 2025

Arthur Benjamin Gunlicks

July 7, 1936 - September 27, 2025

Art Gunlicks passed away on September 27th. He is survived by his loving wife, Regine; their two sons, Michael (Xantea Bowe) and Lars (Susan Delgado); three beloved grandchildren, Olin, Sabina, and Ian; and step-grandchildren, Christian and Elijah, who all fondly knew him as "Opa." He is also survived by older sister, Mary Louise Atchison; and brother, Kendal. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lynn.

Art was a native of North Platte, NE, the second child and first son of Ben and Verna Gunlicks. He graduated from North Platte High School, where he played football as an offensive lineman at 140 lbs. Art received his B.A. from the University of Denver in 1958. He then spent a year at the University of Freiburg on a German Marshall Fund "Thank You" scholarship, where he met his wife, Regine (Sattler), a fellow student. He returned to the U.S. and served two years as a First Lieutenant in the Army. He did his doctoral coursework at Georgetown University and wrote his dissertation at the University of Göttingen, with the help of a Fulbright grant. He received his Ph.D. in political science from Georgetown. After teaching for two years at East Tennessee State University, he became a professor of political science at the University of Richmond in 1968. He served the university as dean of graduate studies and associate dean of faculty for three years, and chair of the department of political science for three terms. He authored or edited seven books, as well as numerous book chapters and articles in professional journals. He gained respect as a scholar of European politics on both sides of the Atlantic. After his retirement from UR in 2005, he volunteered at the Shepherd Center and Osher Institute, enriching the lives of many seniors and continuing his life's mission of education. He served various civic associations, including Friends of Bandy Field and the Torch Club, and as an usher for Epiphany Lutheran Church.

Art enjoyed traveling and learning. He and Regine visited and lived in Germany dozens of times. They lived there twice for an entire year with their sons, 1975-76 in Göttingen, and 1982-83 in Heidelberg, while he was on sabbatical. He was one of the first professors at UR to offer foreign study trips to students. Art enjoyed music his entire life, growing up in a musical family, and knew dozens of American folk classics that he often sang on car rides or walks, and his grandchildren will always treasure the memories of strolls around the UR lake with his musical accompaniment. Nary a friend, family member, or colleague was not subjected at some point to singing "Schnitzelbank." Art also enjoyed fishing and was a tenacious opponent on the tennis court. Art was a news hound and read two to three papers a day. He possessed boundless energy.

Art spent his last four years together in happy companionship with Regine at The Hermitage, where he also enjoyed the friendship of fellow residents and staff. They celebrated 63 years of happy marriage in July.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on November 7, 2025, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1400 Horsepen Road, Richmond, VA 23226, followed by a reception at the church. Art will be laid to rest at the Columbarium at the University of Richmond in a private ceremony.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Epiphany Lutheran Church General Fund, the Hermitage Richmond Samaritan Fund, or a charity of your choosing.