Arthur Fleck

Arthur C. Fleck died on August 22, 2026 at age 89.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Daisy C. and Henry C. Fleck, his elder brother Henry E. Fleck, and his soulmate Jean Fleck after more than 60 years of marriage. He is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth Deluca, Julie Tabor (Byron) and Nicole Fleck-Tooze (Marcus), by his grandson Arthur Deluca, and by two nieces Denise Phillips and Carol Huskey.

Arthur was born in Chicago on October 29, 1936. When he was eight, Arthur and his family moved to rural Michigan where he attended a one room grade school and later graduated from Portage High School in 1954 as valedictorian. Arthur and Jean Alice Dalman were married in Kalamazoo on December 21, 1957. Arthur continued his education and earned a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 1959, Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Michigan State University in 1960 and 1964, respectively, all in mathematics.

Arthur's education led him to a career as a Professor in Computer Science and Mathematics. He held appointments at Michigan State University (1964-65) and University of Virginia (1974-75) for one year each, and for 40 years at the University of Iowa. He had over 25 research papers including book chapters and a published textbook. During his career he supervised 19 Ph.D. students, and served two terms as the Chairman of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Iowa (1984-90) before retiring in 2006.

The rural childhood setting of Arthur's early life led to a continuation of similar settings as an adult, and to the pursuit of camping and visits to places of natural beauty, especially a love of the beaches and dunes of Lake Michigan. He was also an avid table tennis player for most of his life, winning a number of local tournaments. He pursued an interest in photography and photo editing, and in later life undertook research and writing on his family genealogy.

But the most satisfying rewards of life were associated with the loving family relationships he was fortunate to enjoy throughout his life. Nothing mattered more than his family. Innumerable family celebrations, gatherings and joint trips regularly reflected the mutual feelings of love and the joy of togetherness.

Services are being planned at this time, updated information will be posted at www.lensingfuneral.com when ready. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to TRAIL of Johnson County, or the University of Iowa Foundation Computer Science Fund.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.