Gordon Charles Kresheck

Gordon Charles Kresheck

Gordon Charles Kresheck, Manitou Springs, CO, passed away on August 14, 2025, in Colorado Springs, CO.

Gordon was born to Franklin and Gladys (Zappendorf) Kresheck in North Tonawanda, New York on September 3, 1933.  Gordon graduated from South High School in Columbus, Ohio in 1951.  He went on to study at The Ohio State University where he received his B.S. (1955), M.S. (1959), and Ph.D. (1961) degrees in Dairy Technology.  He was a member of Phi Epsilon fraternity and played La Crosse at Ohio State; the university for four years; Team Captain his senior year.  Gordon was in the U.S. Navy ROTC and spent two years aboard a U.S. Navy gasoline tanker operating out of Pearl Harbor; second in command.  

In 1961 he spent one year as a Research Assistant in the Nobel Medical Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Stockholm, Sweden. In 1963 he was a Visiting Scientist in the Physical Measurements Section of the Proctor and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio.  This was followed by two years in the Department of Chemistry at Cornell University.  In 1965 he joined the faculty of Northern Illinois University; and was also a Resident Research Associate in the Chemistry Division of Argonne National Laboratory during the summer of 1966. In 1975 a Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies (CBBS) was established at Northern Illinois University.  Dr. Kresheck was named as Director of the Center, a position he held until his retirement in 1997. 

In 1961 Gordon married Janet Dawson.  They had three children: a son Sten in 1962, and in 1965 twin daughters, Aine and Carey. 

Gordon loved Ohio State; the university sports, golf, travel and his continued biochemistry research. In retirement, Gordon enjoyed spending time exploring the outdoors and traveling.  

Gordon was predeceased by his parents and daughter Carey Kresheck. He is survived by his wife Janet Dawson; brother Neal Kresheck; son Sten (Wendy) Kresheck; daughter Aine Kresheck; grandsons Daniel, Luke (Martha), and Michael Kresheck; and great granddaughter Lorelei Kresheck.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 10:00am-11:00am followed by a short service at 11:00am at Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak Street in DeKalb. Burial will be immediately following the service at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.