Remembering Professor Emeritus Frederick O. Flener, Ph.D.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Northeastern Illinois University Professor Emeritus Frederick O. Flener, Ph.D., died on May 25, 2026. He was 85 years old.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 5 at 1 p.m. at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 Courtland Ave. in Park Ridge, Illinois. The celebration will also be livestreamed.
Dr. Flener began working at Northeastern in 1972 as a tenure track professor in the Department of Teacher Education in what is now the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education. He earned tenure in 1977 and served the University for more than 30 years before retiring as a Professor Emeritus in 2005.
Over the years, Dr. Flener held various titles at the University, including serving as Acting Chair of the Department of Secondary Education. He was also active on councils and committees, such as the Faculty Senate. Outside of the University, Dr. Flener was committed to public service. He tutored high school students, served on the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (becoming a founder of ICTM mathematics contests) and held office as Secretary on the District 228 School Board in Midlothian, Illinois. He also held professional memberships with numerous organizations such as the American Federation of Teachers, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Phi, the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics and the Metropolitan Mathematics Club of Chicago. In light of his many achievements and contributions to the University, including the creation of several new courses and workshops, Dr. Flener was awarded the University’s Presidential Merit Award in 1981.
A lover of sports, Dr. Flener was a lifelong Cubs fan and worked as a golf caddy in high school, leading him to become an Evans Scholar, a full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving caddies with limited financial means. He was a triple alumnus of the University of Illinois, earning his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education - Mathematics in 1963; a Master of Science in Teaching, Mathematics in 1964 and Ph.D. in Mathematics Education in 1973.
Dr. Flener was preceded in death by his first wife, Joen, with whom he was married for 45 years. He is survived by his wife, children, stepchildren, grandchildren and friends. A passionate educator, Dr. Flener influenced countless student teachers and, by proxy, those they taught as well.
Top photo: Professor Emeritus Frederick O. Flener, Ph.D.