We note the passing of Arthur Fleck (1936-2026), an early computer science educator. In 1961-62, Fleck’s publications ignited interest in a new area of algebraic automata theory. This led to a 42-year career during which his emphasis was the pursuit of development of programming languages. He combined one year at Michigan State University and another at the University of Virginia with 40 years at the University of Iowa.

Fleck accepted a faculty appointment in Computer Science at Iowa in 1965, the inaugural year of that department. In his time at Iowa he taught a variety of courses, published numerous papers and books, served two terms as Chair of the Department of Computer Science, and supervised 19 Ph.D.students before retiring in 2006. In 2018 Fleck released a historical monograph titled “Computing Reflections: a personal history view” assessing the progress of technical developments in areas to which he contributed (available from  ResearchGate or free from the Apple iBook library).

Services are being planned at this time. Updated information will be posted on the Lensing Funeral obituary when ready.