Remembering William Lester “Bill” Howenstine, Ph.D.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The Northeastern Illinois University community extends sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of William Lester “Bill” Howenstine, Ph.D., who passed away on Jan. 23, 2026. He was 100 years old.
Dr. Howenstine began working at Northeastern in 1961. Over the years, he served the University in numerous roles in the College of Arts and Sciences and University Administration. He was a dedicated Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, and also served as Dean of Students. He retired from the University in 2010 after more than 40 years of service.
An avid environmentalist, Dr. Howenstine was instrumental in the development and efforts of numerous organizations focused on preservation of the natural environment. He was among the founders of the McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD) and filled a number of leadership positions in the organization, serving twice as Board President. To date, MCCD has preserved over 25,000 acres of open space. He also helped form the Illinois Association of Conservation Districts, and was a founding board member of what is now the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.
As members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Dr. Howenstine and his late wife, Alice, traveled to Mexico and Lima, Peru for community service projects. They were widely recognized for their deep commitment to peace, protection of the natural environment and recognition of the interconnectivity of all things. In 2007, they jointly received the Peace and Justice Award at the Diversity Day festival in Woodstock, Illinois. They received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County in 2010. Additionally, Dr. Howenstine received the George and Barbara Fell Award from the National Land Institute for his lifelong dedication to the protection of natural areas in 2009. In 2019, Dr. Howenstine was one of the first two recipients of the McHenry County Conservation District's Conservation Champion Award.
Dr. Howenstine is survived by his children — Chuck, Debra and Northeastern Professor Emeritus Erick Howenstine — and their families.
A celebration of Dr. Bill Howenstine’s life will be held outdoors at his farm in McHenry, Illinois, the afternoon of June 28, 2026. For more information, please inquire by way of erickhowenstine@gmail.com.
Top photo: Dr. William Lester “Bill” Howenstine, Ph.D.