51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø

April 9, 2025

51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø mourns the passing of Robert (Bob) Frederick Litke, an alumnus and retired professor who taught in the university’s Department of Philosophy for 37 years.

Bob passed away on March 21, 2025. He was 83 years old.

An esteemed colleague and friend to many at 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø, Bob was a distinguished educator and mentor who had a passion for philosophy, as well as teaching and learning. He began his career at 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø in July 1974 and retired in January 2012.

After graduating from 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s predecessor, Waterloo Lutheran University, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy in 1965, Bob was awarded a fellowship to study at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he completed graduate studies.

As a student at Waterloo Lutheran, Bob was an academic gold medallist and active in the Philosophy Club and Lutheran Student Movement. He returned to 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø following graduate studies in 1974, launching his decades-long legacy of influence through teaching.

Bob is remembered for the lasting impact he made on the intellectual and personal lives of students and colleagues alike. Outside of academic pursuits, he was known for his enjoyment of skiing and snowboarding, as well as gardening and garlic farming.

51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s Department of Philosophy plans to celebrate Bob’s life during a memorial event in September 2025. More information will be available closer to the date of the event.

The university extends heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and many friends. 

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