Obituary – Winfried “Fred” Dallmayr

Winfried R. “Fred” Dallmayr, aged 95, passed away in South Bend, IN, on June 5, 2024. Born on October 18, 1928, in Ulm, Germany, he was the son of the late Olga (Schnell) and Albert Dallmayr.

Fred’s legacy is marked by a distinguished career as the Packey J. Dee Professor at the University of Notre Dame. A political theorist and philosopher, he was the author of 40 academic books and co-editor of 20 more. He lived his life in pursuit of spiritual Truth, traveling the world and connecting the Western with the non-Western roots of belief. While devoutly Christian, he studied many systems of belief with equal interest, enthusiasm and commitment. Dallmayr was a Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame where he wrote, co-wrote, and edited books until he was 94. He spoke fondly of his friendship with Fr. Hesburgh, and his many friendships with colleagues around the world.

Fred’s childhood during the tumultuous years of WWII in Germany impacted him personally, emotionally, and spiritually. After surviving such challenging times, he sought to bring peace to the world through his political and theological studies. He traveled to the United States in 1955 after beginning his academic career in Munich, Germany, and Turin, Italy.

He met his wife Ilse (Balzer) at Southern Illinois University in a club for international students. They were married on August 24, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly after, they moved to Durham, North Carolina, where Fred earned his PhD in Political Science from Duke University in 1960. He accepted a teaching position at Purdue University, where his children Dominique and Philip were born. He settled into his role at the University of Notre Dame in 1978, where he remained for the rest of his career. Highlights of his academic success include being president of the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy (SACP), an advisory member of the scientific committee of RESET – Dialogue on Civilizations (Rome), the executive co-chair of World Public Forum – Dialogue of Civilizations (Vienna), and being a member of the supervisory board of the Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute (Berlin).

Faith played an important role in his personal life as well as academic. Fred was an Elder at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, where he attended service during the years he lived in South Bend, Indiana. He also enjoyed attending service at the Basilica at Notre Dame and paying frequent visits to the Grotto on campus to light candles and pray.

Fred had a love for classical music. When he was a boy in Germany, he became quite an accomplished pianist. He and Ilse went to many symphonies, especially the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he and Ilse would attend concerts. In later years, when travel became too difficult, he would listen to his beloved performances on YouTube.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ilse Dallmayr, his daughter, Dominique (John Donahue) Dallmayr of Portland, OR, and his son, Philip (Sara) Dallmayr of South Bend, IN. His life’s joy was further brightened by his grandchildren, Keegan and Josefina Donahue. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews in Germany, who remember his visits and meetings with great fondness. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Albert and Horst.

Fred’s wisdom and fervor for life will be dearly missed but forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. He was quick to laugh, to seek and share the human and spiritual experiences and common ground in life that connect us all. From family and friends, colleagues and former students, Fred will be well remembered and missed in many years to come.

Services for Fred will be held at 12:00pm, Thursday, June 13, 2024 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ with visitation one hour prior.  The burial will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery.

Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/WinfriedFred-Dallmayr