Leroy “Lee” George Noel

NOEL, SPAINHOWER, WILLIAMS, LUKES, MITTELSTAEDT, MAUSHARD, BELLISTON

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 11/21/2023 at 08:10:25

Leroy “Lee” George Noel
June 30, 1934 to September 26, 2023

Lee went to be with the Lord on September 26, 2023. He passed peacefully surrounded by family, love and prayer after a short illness.

Lee was born on a farm in rural Woodford County Illinois to Herman and Elizabeth Noel on June 30, 1934. He attended a two-room country school through 8th grade and graduated from Metamora High School. He earned a BS in Business from Illinois State University in 1956. Following his college graduation, he was a business teacher and later the Business Manager at Limestone High School in Peoria, IL. He had fond memories of driving the sports and pep buses. He returned to Illinois State University to get his master’s degree in Educational Administration, and served as the Assistant Dean of Students and Financial Aid Administrator. In 1963, Lee became the Associate Executive Director at the Illinois State Scholarship Commission. Based on his financial aid acumen, Lee was invited to accompany Bob Hope, Connie Stevens, and Neil Armstrong on the Vietnam USO tour to share information directly with soldiers about the GI Bill. In parallel with his Scholarship Commission work, he attended Northwestern University and attained his PhD in Educational Psychology in 1969. Following that work in 1971, now Dr. Noel, joined American College Testing (ACT), as a regional vice-president. He later created the ACT National Center for the Advancement of Educational Practices and served as the Executive Director. Lee was considered to be a pioneer in student retention and success. He authored three books, countless articles and hosted national conferences on the topic.

In 1984, after 13 years at ACT, he and Randi Levitz cofounded a national college enrollment and student retention consulting firm, Noel-Levitz. Their goal was to develop solutions that created both student and institutional success. Lee was always an educator at heart with over 40 years dedicated to student centered practices leaving a legacy for all higher education. In 2010, he received an honorary Doctorate degree from Azusa Pacific University for his work on strengths-based leadership and education.

Lee met the love of his life, Mary Spainhower, in 1955 and they married on December 29, 1956. That beautiful marriage resulted in four children - Steve (deceased), Mike, MaryLee, and Patrice.

In retirement, Lee enjoyed wintering with Mary on St George Island, FL where he built many strong relationships, developed vacation properties, and hosted several family/friend vacations. He really loved entertaining, especially his fish and shrimp fries. Lee continued to be active, serving on several church-related, faith-based and non-profit boards and foundations. He was an avid Hawkeye, Cub, and Bears fan, even through the rough years when there wasn’t much to cheer for. He loved to tailgate even if he wasn’t at the stadium. Brats and Mary’s chili were a favorite.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law Beth Noel of Dakota Dunes, SD, son Mike (Mary) Noel of Iowa City, daughter MaryLee (John) Williams of Cedar Rapids, daughter Patrice Noel of Dayton, OH; Grandchildren Hilliary (Brad) Lukes, John Williams, Todd (Emily) Noel, Lee Noel, Drew Noel, Kate Noel, Louis (Victoria) Noel, Matthew Mittelstaedt, and Marlow Mittelstaedt; plus great grandchildren Ryne and Addison Lukes, sister-in-law’s Nancy Maushard and Peggy Belliston, brother-in-law Vance Belliston, and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his son Steve; his son-in-law John Mittelstaedt; his parents Herman and Elizabeth; his brother Milburn, and sister-in-law Bernadine.

Lee believed in the power of prayer and had a strong unwavering faith. He committed his life to education and was the greatest role model as a husband, dad, friend, educator, and businessman. He had several mentors throughout his life, and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge freely with any and everyone. He always had a consultant’s heart. He will be deeply missed and his legacy lives on in each of us. We will miss his big generous heart but take comfort that Lee and Mary are reunited again.

Visitation will be from 5PM to 7PM, Thursday October 5, 2023, and again from 10 AM to 11 AM on Friday October 6, 2023, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, IA.

The family will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at St Thomas More Church at 11 AM on Friday October 6, 2023. Fathers Ed Fitzpatrick and Charles Adam will officiate. A funeral luncheon will follow in the St. Thomas More Church parish hall.

The service will be recorded and available to view later on www.lensingfuneral.com

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Metamora, IL. Luncheon to follow at Grand Prairie Pizza and Tavern in Peoria, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Iowa City Hospice, University of Iowa Newman Catholic Student Center, St. Thomas More Church, Coralville, IA, or a charity of your choice.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

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