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John Dossey Obituary
John Arthur Dossey
March 15, 1944 - February 5, 2024
TUCSON, Arizona - John Arthur Dossey, known nationally and internationally for his career in mathematics education, died February 5, 2024, at age 79, in Tucson, AZ.
John was born in Decatur, IL, on March 15, 1944, and grew up in East Peoria, IL. He married Anne (Hodel) Dossey in 1965. After living 36 years in Eureka, IL, John and Anne relocated to Tucson, AZ.
John earned his B.S. (1965) and M.S. (1968) degrees in mathematics at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. After teaching a year at Chiddix Junior High School and a year at Normal Community High School, John returned to school and earned a Ph.D in mathematics education at the University of Illinois (1971). He then began a 30-year career teaching at Illinois State University ultimately retiring in 1999 with the rank of Distinguished Professor of Mathematics. John continued his career with the focus on curricular projects and statistical consulting involving international comparisons of student performance in mathematics and the development of new forms of assessment of mathematical learning. Furthermore, he authored or co-authored numerous research papers and mathematics textbooks.
John was honored many times and recognized as an outstanding leader in his field. He served as President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1986-1988). During the 1993-1994 school year, John was a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. His most treasured rewards, however, have come - and are still coming - from former students and colleagues who simply say, "Thank You."
John is survived by Anne; their son, Doug; daughter-in-law, Kathrin Dellago; and grandsons: Finn and Bode.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Mathematics Faculty Scholarship for Undergraduate Research Fund (452-6001) c/o Illinois State University Foundation, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL, 61790-8000 (https://giving.illinoisstate.edu/fund/mathematics-faculty-scholarship-for-undergraduate-research/ or call (309) 438-2294).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Dossey
5 Entries
Jon Heldmann
March 2, 2024
My deepest condolences to John's family. Dr. Dossey was a supervisor and mentor to me as I completed my undergraduate work at ISU in preparation for becoming the best math teacher I could be. I would unequivocally not be where I am today without his guidance, positivity and support. He was an amazing professor and human being!
Kathy Hatch
February 20, 2024
My condolences to John´s family. I knew him since the early 1980s when he and two other professors turned a concept into a reality when the Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology was funded. I had the pleasure of working with John until he retired in 1999. He was an amazing asset to ISU, the Center, and the world of mathematics.
Rev. C. William Zander
February 13, 2024
Heahttps://1drv.ms/i/s!Apg4f2XkuWm1gbkoRzkIdq18ziOGlg?e=snUIR3dshot of John Arthur Dosseyhttps://1drv.ms/i/s!Apg4f2XkuWm1gbkoRzkIdq18ziOGlg?e=snUIR3
Marianne Ioerger Skinner
February 13, 2024
My condolences to Dr. Dossey´s loved ones! He was my prof at ISU for two semesters of Calculus. I asked him if he thought I would succeed in mathematics. Yes, Dr.Dossey responded. Still not convinced, I asked how he could know that. " By the level of questions you ask!" Often, I have recalled those words of encouragement! He was such a natural artist, too, perfectly illustrating the problems to be solved on the board. Occasionally, his child sat as his feet as he taught.
God rest Dr. Dossey´s soul . Many thoughts and prayers!
Marianne Ioerger Skinner
Kay Seppelt
February 9, 2024
Jack and I shared so many good times with John while growing up in East Peoria. We'll always remember his warm personality, great sense of humor, and concern for those around him. EPCHS class of '62 has lost one of its best!
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