Francis Gary Florey, 90, entered his heavenly home on Monday, July 20, 2026, with his beloved wife, Ardys, by his side.

Francis was born in Pingree, North Dakota on March 26, 1936 and was the son of Guy and Marie Florey. Francis grew up on family farms near Henry and Clark, South Dakota with his siblings, Floyd, Fern, and Fay. His childhood was marked by both hardship and resilience. At the age of fourteen, he lost his mother, Marie, to cancer, an event that profoundly shaped his life. Through the kindness of family, teachers, and friends who believed in him, Francis returned to high school, excelled both academically and athletically, and began a remarkable journey that would influence generations of students.

After graduating from Augustana College with a degree in mathematics, Francis married the love of his life, Maxine Christensen, on April 20, 1957. Together they built a loving home, raised three children, and shared 56 wonderful years of marriage until Maxine's passing in 2014. Later in life, Francis was blessed to find love again with Ardys, his high school classmate. They were married for nearly ten years and shared companionship, faith, and many happy memories together.

Education was both Francis's calling and his passion. He earned a Master's degree from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Illinois Institute of Technology. During his distinguished career, he taught mathematics for nearly four decades, including 31 years at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where he became a full professor and was later honored with Faculty Emeritus status. He authored the college textbook Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications, directed the National Science Foundation's "Modeling Acid Rain" program for ten consecutive years, and inspired countless students to seek understanding rather than memorization. He often reminded them, "You don't memorize mathematics—you seek to understand mathematics." After a wonderful teaching career, Francis retired in July 1997.

While Francis was proud of his academic accomplishments, his greatest joy was always his family. He treasured every opportunity to attend his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, fish with his grandchildren, spend time at the family cabin, and encourage those he loved. In retirement, Francis enjoyed traveling around the country to play in racquetball tournaments and enjoyed the winters in their Mesa, AZ home. Whether watching Vikings football, playing racquetball, fishing on the lakes and rivers of northern Wisconsin, hunting with his loyal dog Tippie, or playing cards and laughing with family in South Dakota, Francis found joy in life's simple blessings. He remained an avid sports fan throughout his life and never lost his enthusiasm for competition or learning.

Francis was a God-fearing, caring, and humble man. He was a lifelong Christian and, along with his wife Maxine, was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Superior, WI until Francis moved to Colorado in 2016 when he married Ardys Fischer. Francis and Ardys lived in Longmont, Colorado until 2020 when they moved to Sunrise Senior Living in Broomfield, Colorado. At Sunrise, they enjoyed many movies, exercise classes, field trips, and other activities. They also enjoyed attending Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, Colorado with Ardy’s family.

Francis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Maxine Florey; his brother, Floyd Florey (Ele); his sister, Fern Page (Bill); his sister-in-law, Ila Mae Florey (Fay Florey’s wife); and his son-in-law, Jerry Porter (Pam Porter’s husband).

He is survived by his loving wife, Ardys Fischer; his brother, Fay Florey; his sons, Kevin Florey (Beth) and Todd Florey (Sandy); his daughter, Pam Porter; his cherished grandchildren, Cody Faga, Suzanne Keuhn (Bryan), Christina Bass (Nick), Michael Florey, and Michelle Florey; his treasured great-grandchildren, Ivy Keuhn, Lily Keuhn, Rosalie Keuhn, Levi Bass, Silas Bass, and Gabriel Bass; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Francis will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, mentor, author, outdoorsman, sports enthusiast and faithful servant of God. His life was defined by perseverance, humility, intellectual curiosity, kindness, and unwavering faith. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the students he inspired, and the countless lives he touched.

Francis' favorite bible verse was John 5:24 - “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1708 John Avenue, Superior, WI and continue until the 3:00 PM funeral service. You’re welcome to join us after the funeral for a meal at the church.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Francis’ name and sent to the University of Wisconsin - Superior, Concordia Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.