Dr. Almer J. "Jay" Mandt, III

Dr. Almer J. "Jay" Mandt III, 74, Wichita State University (WSU) Professor of Philosophy (1976-2017), was born on January 29, 1950 in Champaign, IL. He died Thursday, June 20, 2024 in Wichita, KS. Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Cedar Lakes Village Clubhouse, 8201 E. Harry #2400, Wichita. Luncheon will follow. Jay was a lifelong educator. He received both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in philosophy at Trinity College (Phi Beta Kappa), in Hartford, Connecticut. He proceeded to earn his PhD in Philosophy in 1978 at Vanderbilt University. His special areas of interests were 19th Century Philosophy; Continental Philosophy; Philosophy of Culture. During his successful WSU career, he was an active advocate and member of the American Association of University professors. Representing the University, he was a member of the Faculty Senate and as a reflection of his superb scholarship, a multi-year Director of the WSU Emory Lindquist Honors Program. That position led to his writings about honors education. His contributions led to his “President's Faculty Distinguished Service Award” from Wichita State University in 2001. His special area of interest was the philosophy of culture, which had its roots in his interests in German idealism and the history of philosophy. Additionally, Jay was a scholar of modern European philosophy and post modernism as reflected in his numerous publications in those areas. He was a well-read fan of science fiction and military history. He was the author of 2 books Immanuel Kant (Giants of Philosophy), and Revolutionary Imagination and the Waning of Marxism. One of Jay’s greatest joys was gardening. He loved to host friends in the garden for small get-togethers. His Wichita family, “The Orphans,” celebrated holidays and birthdays together with him through the years. He will be greatly missed. Preceded in death by his parents, Almer Joseph Jr. and Betty Josephine (Pepper) Mandt; great-nephew, Jayden Roderque. Survived by his sisters: Sue Mandt, Freeport; Barb Mandt, Freeport; Cathy Berg (Ervin), Rapid City, SD; and Deb Keleher, Freeport; and Nieces: Stephanie (Michael) Brashaw, Freeport; Courtney Roderque (Steve) Freeport, Jennifer (Nathan) Ray, Freeport; Rachel (Rob) Stella, California; Nephews: Justin Berg, Oregon; Tyler (Aimee) Berg, Oregon; Great Nieces: Alyson Brashaw, Arielle and Jaleigh Roderque, Lydia Ray all of Freeport, IL and Madison Stella (California); Great Nephews: Noah Brashaw, Aiyden Johnson both of Freeport, IL; Dylan and Justin Stella (California); “The Orphans" whom Jay considered his Wichita family, and many other close friends and colleagues. Services in care of Downing and Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.