Loyola honors the life of former trustee Hans R. Wilhelmsen, M.D., DDS, ’52

Former Board of Trustee member Hans R. Wilhelmsen, ’52, M.D., DDS, passed away on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. Wilhelmsen served as a Loyola trustee from 1989 – 1995 and 2001 – 2009.

Wilhelmsen, who was born in Tjome, Norway, immigrated to the United States after WWII, arriving in Baltimore with just a few dollars to his name. He worked many jobs before getting accepted to Loyola where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1974.

As a graduate of Loyola, Wilhelmsen was actively involved in the University. He was awarded the University’s Alumni Laureate Medal in 1981 and the prestigious John Carroll Medal in 2010. He gave generously to the University over the years and was a member of the Jenkins Society, the John Early Society, and President’s Council.

“Hans Wilhelmsen truly made the most of his Loyola education and gave back to the University—and to the community in extraordinary ways,” said Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president. “He served as a trustee during key moments in Loyola’s history, bringing important insight to the board and decisions that positioned Loyola well for the future.”

In 2019, the Wilhelmsens generously established the Hans Wilhelmsen, M.D., DDS, '52, and Leah Wilhelmsen President's Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of Loyola’s president, Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J.

After graduating from Loyola, Wilhelmsen went on to earn his dental and medical degrees from the University of Maryland. In his career as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Wilhelmsen operated his own private practice in Towson for 40 years and served as chief of surgery at St. Joseph, Maryland General, Kernan, and Mercy Hospitals. He was also an assistant professor of medicine emeritus with the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University.

Wilhelmsen also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Loyola will celebrate the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Hans Wilhelmsen’s memory. The Mass will be livestreamed.

Arrangements

Visitation
4-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, and Friday, Oct. 16
Ruck Towson Funeral Home
Due to gathering size limits, there may be a wait to enter the building. Face masks are required.

Funeral service
11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17
Timonium United Methodist Church
2300 Pot Spring Rd
Lutherville-Timonium, Md.