Kathryn (Rosensteele) Flores ’03 of Chicago died July 21, 2021. She was 40. Katie earned a bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan and a master’s degree from National Louis University. She dedicated her career to education. She first demonstrated her ability to touch the lives of students, faculty and administrators during eight years of teaching kindergarten in Chicago Public Schools. As part of her work experience, she traveled to Ghana for a cultural exchange program. Katie later moved on to the University of Chicago’s STEM education team, where she served as school support manager and curriculum developer. Most recently, she helped develop mathematics textbooks and provided long-term coaching support for elementary math teachers. Katie played an instrumental role in the team’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and served on its “Fabulous Fun” Committee. She was active in many community organizations, including the McKinley Park (Ill.) advisory and development councils, and McKinley Community Play Garden. But the roles she cherished most were loving wife and adoring mother. She is survived by her husband James Flores ’02, two children, her parents and a brother.
Allison (Tackitt) Thune ’03 of Zionsville, Indiana, died Jan. 26, 2021. She was 40.
Allison earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at Illinois Wesleyan and a master’s degree in choral conducting from Butler University. She taught at Roncali High School in Indianapolis and Romeoville (Ill.) High School, as well as two elementary schools. Her passions were choral music and motherhood. She is survived by her husband, two children, parents and sister.
You can read the full obituary here.
Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics Robert (Bob) Leekley passed away on Tuesday, Jan.1. Prof. Leekley started teaching at Illinois Wesleyan in 1974, and from his first year to his 44th, his commitment to IWU and our students remained unchanged. His positive impact on generations of students and colleagues will not be forgotten. Read an obituary. A service will be held in the IWU Evelyn Chapel from 11-12 on Wednesday, January 9th.
We are very sorry to inform you that Professor Elizabeth (Susie) Balser, faculty member in Biology for more than 20 years, passed away last month following an extended illness. Susie was recognized as an expert on the anatomy of echinoderms. Her passion for invertebrate animals inspired the creation of three new courses at IWU. Both as an instructor and as a research mentor, Susie challenged students to carefully study the natural world and make their own discoveries.