Robert Sharpe Wohlsen

Robert Sharpe Wohlsen, 88, died peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2014. He was born at Lancaster General Hospital, the youngest child of Albert and Kathryn Sharpe Wohlsen. He married Carolyn Wilkerson in the fall of 1947. They shared their love with their family of four children. Bobby attended public school until sixth grade. His favorite pastimes included sledding in Buchanan Park and being a Boy Scout in Troop 3. He remained a lifetime friend of his Scoutmaster, Cobble Byrnes. He attended Franklin & Marshall Academy until it closed in 1943 and transferred to Valley Forge Military Academy. Bob excelled in football, wrestling, and track. He was proud of his gold medal from the Penn Relays. He was the City and County Wrestling Champion in the 153-Pound Weight Class in 1943. He remained a lifetime friend of his wrestling coach, Ted Rupp. His military service began in 1944 when he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served on the USS Smartt during World War II, USS Europa, and SS Dithmarschen after the war. After discharge from the Navy, he received his high school diploma from J.P. McCaskey High School through the GI program. He graduated from Franklin & Marshall College. In 1950, he was one of the third generation to join the family business, Herman Wohlsen’s Sons. He began as the payroll clerk. He led the company out of Lancaster County to become a nationally rated construction company. He retired as a Master Builder and Chairman of the Board of The Wohlsen Construction Company in 1994. No matter which road one traveled in Lancaster County with him, “That’s a Wohlsen building” would be heard time and time again along with a story or two. Of the many community organizations he contributed his time, talents and support throughout the years, one of his most memorable experiences was serving as President of the Lancaster Jaycees in 1954. He was honored to have been part of those young men in action: a group of young veterans active in rebuilding, finding their places as civilians and working to make Lancaster a better place. Many became prominent leaders in Lancaster’s history. Being avid land conservationists in Lancaster County, he and Carolyn founded the Millport Conservancy and eventually partnered with Franklin & Marshall College to ensure their gift would remain an educational site for the benefit of future generations. He was an enthusiastic yachtsman and captain of the Woolie I, II, and III that he enjoyed navigating on the Chesapeake Bay. He reached the summit of the Matterhorn at age sixty and was a member of the Swiss Alpine Club and Zermatt District of the YETI Club. He climbed six of the “Seven Summits” including Kilimanjaro, Denali, Elbrus, Vinson, Everest and Kosciuszko. His boot soles hang on the wall plaque above the words: “These boots have traveled to places most men have not been.” Bob loved his family. He is survived by his children: Lynn Wohlsen Myers and her husband Logan; Thomas H.; Patricia S. Wohlsen Epps and her husband, Ronald; and Robert S., Jr. and his wife, Miriam Casey; and his grandchildren: Marcus R. Wohlsen and his wife, Kim Bennett; Edward E. Epps III; Peter R. Wohlsen and his wife, Juno Turner, Andrew K. Wohlsen, Carolyn M. Staszak and her husband Ryan M., MD and Theodore S. Wohlsen. He cherished his great-grandchildren: Logan M. and Lillian E. Staszak; Russell R. Bennett; and Willoughby R. and Rosalie M. Turner Wohlsen. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn, his brother, Albert, Jr., and his sister, Carolyn Ripple. The Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Millport Conservancy, 737 E. Millport Road, Lititz, PA 17543. A viewing will be held at Millport Conservancy on Monday, October 27th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The interment in the family cemetery will follow the service. Please omit flowers. Contributions can be made in his memory to the Millport Conservancy, c/o Franklin & Marshall College, PO Box 3003, Lancaster, PA 17604-3003.

Robert Sharpe Wohlsen

October 24, 2014