Susan Spengler Flinn

Susan Spengler Flinn, 75, died  on March 16, 2021, at 5:45 a.m., at Cedarhurst Assisted Living Facility & Memory Care Springfield, IL.

Susan was born November 11, 1945, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Lemuel and Evelyn (Taylor) Spengler. She married Ronald Earl Flinn on August 21, 1970, in New City, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and infant daughter.  Susan is survived by her sons James Flinn of Omaha, NE and Ryan Flinn of Columbus, OH; sisters Julie (husband Lennis) Knight of Gann Valley, SD and Molly (husband Kevin) Berns of Springfield, IL; brother Timothy Spengler of Cardington, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

Susan graduated from Rochester High School, Rochester, IL  and Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL.  At Illinois College, she double-majored in English and Mathematics and was an active member of the Gamma Delta literary society. She participated in several theatre productions while in college and used those skills behind the scenes as a volunteer at the Springfield Muni Opera in the 1970’s.  

During college, she worked as a house parent at the Illinois School for the Deaf discovering her love of educating the deaf and hard-of-hearing.  She then obtained a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from Smith College, Northampton, MA, affiliated with Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech. Later in her career, she studied toward her Doctorate in Special Education from New York University.  She taught at the Rockford School for the Deaf in Rockford, IL, and Indiana State School for the Deaf. She served as an administrator at the American School in Hartford, CT, and the Kentucky State School for the Deaf in Danville, KY.

When her husband’s career took them to Omaha, NE, Susan focused her energies on raising her sons. She spent many years as a den mother and troop leader to help foster the principles of scouting with her boys. Susan loved to travel and planned each trip with meticulous precision.  The Flinns’ often included Susan’s parents and sisters and their families in their traveling adventures, making memories that will never be forgotten.  

Susan was a 50-year member of Pawnee Chapter # 436, Order of the Eastern Star. She also was a founding member of Sugar Creek United Methodist Church.

Susan’s family expresses its deepest gratitude to the staff of Cedarhurst, especially those in the Memory Care unit who kept Susan safe during the pandemic. While we could not visit her until recently, we knew she was in kind and gentle hands.

Cremation was accorded by Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home & Cremation Services. At Susan’s request, interment of her ashes at Zion Cemetery, Pawnee, IL, will be private.  Memorial contributions may be sent in Susan’s memory to Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Rd., Chatham, IL 62629.

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