Condolences to Carla Gesell-Streeter

John Andrew Gesell, father of faculty member Carla Gesell-Streeter (Brewing Science), passed away on July 27, 2021.

John managed the Animal Science Swine Farm at the University of Illinois before moving into agricultural sales. He served on the City Council of Gibson City, Illinois, for several years and served on statewide committees focused on sustainable agriculture and youth in agriculture.

Carla said John was “a born storyteller who personified the adage that a stranger is only a friend you haven’t met yet. He had a preternatural gift for finding Westerns on television, especially those starring John Wayne. He never told a story that wasn’t true, even the ones that never actually happened.”

A private graveside service for family will take place at a later date. Friends and family are asked to toast John’s life, preferably with a Maker’s Mark Manhattan or a scoop of butter pecan ice cream. A mug of root beer will also fit the bill.

Messages of condolence may be shared on the website for Rosenbaum Funeral Home (Gibson City, IL).

Memorials may be made to the Boone County (KY) Animal Shelter, where John was a volunteer.