Albert Resis Obituary

Albert Resis, age 99, of DeKalb, March 10, 2021. Albert was a Professor of History at Northern Illinois University (1964-1992), and Professor Emeritus thereafter. A recognized expert on Soviet history, Albert's publications included books and articles in Encyclopedia Britannica. Albert grew up in Lockport, IL, and his family were co-founders of the Joliet Jewish Congregation. Albert was a devoted classical music enthusiast and a self-taught baton twirler. Earning a music scholarship at Northwestern University, Albert played the bassoon in the school orchestra and was the drum major for NU's marching band. Albert enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and was in a military orchestra that performed weekly radio concerts. After WWII, Albert earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University. Albert's storytelling, gastronomical expertise, and love for intellectual debate enriched all who knew him. Loving uncle to Robert (Leslie) Resis, Dr. Steven (Dr. Nancy) Resis, Sharon (Christopher) Grew, Harry (Bette) Resis, Jr., Albert Leo Resis, Patricia (late Herb) Simms, Sandra Resis, Idelle (late Brian) Winer, and Michael Resis. Great-uncle of ten, and great-great uncle of six. Caring brother-in-law to Kay (nee Field) Resis, wife of the late Nathan, and brother-in-law to Barbara (nee Shafran) Resis. Preceded by his parents, Samuel ben Zvi and Ida (Bekker) Resis; sister, Fay (Maurice) Singer; brothers, Harry (late Helen), Abe, Nathan, and George (late Regina) Resis. Albert's family offers special thanks to Joelina Collamat for her assistance and friendship that allowed Albert to be healthy and happy in his later years. Services will be private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Resis

8 Entries

Michael C. Hickey

March 6, 2023

Albert was-- and still is-- one of the most important people in my life. His photo is on my desk, and not a week passes that I do not find myself going back to things that he taught me--and not just as a historian. I met him on 8 AM on my first day of college, in a course on Imperial Russia; 12 years later I completed my dissertation under his direction. I've written a memorial to AR as scholar and as a mentor for The Slavic Review (vol 80, no. 2: summer 2021), but what I want to say to his family and friends is that, in addition to all that, AR was a real mensch. His well known love for music, literature, art, good food, etc. was matched by his kindness and concern for his friends. For almost 30 years after I finished at NIU, we met for lunch or dinner every time I was in DeKalb. His first questions always were: how is your wife, how are your parents, how are your brothers and sister? Only after that would the next question come--inevitably: what are you reading now that is good? and What are you listening to now that is good? I really cherish those meals together, the classes I took with AR, and our dozens and dozens of 8 AM tutorial meetings over the years; I cherish his stories of driving a truck to deliver greens for his father's store, of his days at Northwestern, of his duties in the army, of his experiences at Columbia, etc., etc., etc. Michael C, Hickey

Jamie Anderson

November 11, 2021

A powerful influence of the positive. And a major influence on me.

Sam Brody

March 22, 2021

Albert was a longtime friend of my father's, but I came to think of him as my friend too. He was always sincere when he asked how you were, what was going on in your life. I found him an inspiring person. One day I hope to read some of his work on Russian history.

Marian S.

March 14, 2021

I had the privilege of knowing Albert Resis. Each time I met him at extended family gatherings, it was a memorable experience. I recall at Thanksgiving that Albert used to say that he always preferred the food that was home made over the dishes that were store bought. I looked forward to seeing Albert at every event. With Albert, the conversation, ideas and stories freely flowed, and there was never a lack of interested listeners to the many, many stories about his life experiences that he generously recounted. Albert was just as inquisitive as his listeners, and he always showed genuine interest in the activities and accomplishments of others. He was a thoughtful and proud uncle and great-uncle to many. Even well into his 80s, I recall that Albert traveled from DeKalb to Evanston to attend a performance by one of his great nephews at Northwestern University.
Albert made the most of his 99 years, constantly learning, thinking, reflecting and sharing.
My sincere condolences to Albert´s family and many friends.

Michael C. Hickey

Planted Trees

Maddie Voorhis

March 12, 2021

I worked in food services at the nursing home where Albert was. I’ve only been there three months, but Albert touched my heart. I’m a bass clarinet player, so Albert and I bonded over our love of low reed instruments. In the last few weeks I would go in and turn on his classical music. He’d smile and close his eyes in order to “feel the music”. I’ll miss hearing a new fun fact about Beethoven each shift. Albert was a big fan of orange juice, so I’d bring it to him each time I worked and he’d always offer me a cheers. Albert would always compliment my intelligence, saying I was going to change the world one day. He was often the reason I’d go to work with a smile. Truly a great man who will be missed.

Daniel Fischer

March 12, 2021

I learned to think critically in Dr. Resis classes. He would get us to debate. It was always done in a cheerful way by him. What he taught has stuck with me in this difficult time in our country.

Anastacia Wolfe

March 11, 2021

I was a care taker of Albert in the nursing home, he was my favorite resident. The last few days I would play beethoven for him to listen too and he held my hand and thanked me for always going the extra mile for him. We shared many conversations and he was a jokester indeed always brightened my day seeing him in the hallway peaking his head out as he would see me coming. He always brought a smile to my face when he told me about his favorite books or his love for beethoven. Anytime I gave him his favorite orange juice he would say shake, shake, shake it and then say cheers. He once told me what a strong young lady I will grow up to be. His kind words and smile will always be remembered in my heart. Rest in peace to one of the greatest men I have ever known.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results