Edward John Gesick Jr.

Edward "John" Gesick, Jr., a decorated U.S. Army veteran, teacher, historian, and passionate advocate for the preservation of local history, died on January 13, 2025, at the age of 81. Surrounded by his family, he passed peacefully.
John was born on March 16, 1943, in Washington, D.C., while his father was stationed at the Pentagon during World War II. After the war, his family lived in Chicago before settling in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1961, then went on to Texas A&I (now Texas A&M Kingsville), where he earned a degree in History with a minor in Spanish in 1965. Later, he earned a Master of Education from Boston University in 1979.
Immediately after college, John was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, where he would serve for 14 years, earning numerous accolades for his service. As a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, he deployed to Vietnam, where he was seriously injured in combat. After being sent back to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio for surgery and rehabilitation, John spent part of his recovery working on his father's farm in Seguin. It was during this time that he made a vow to one day settle in Seguin, a promise he would fulfill in his later years.
John's military career also took him to several other postings, including Panama; Seoul,South Korea; Grafenwoehr, Germany, and Fort Huachuca in Arizona, where he taught at the Army Intelligence School. He earned numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars (one with valor), two Army Commendation Medals with valor, and a Meritorious Service Medal. He was a proud Green Beret, and his dedication to service remained central to his life.
Following his service in the Army, John returned to Texas in 1979, settling on his family farm in Seguin, building a house, raising cattle, and harvesting pecans. He began his second career as an educator. He taught Texas History, World History, and Psychology at Seguin High School and later at Texas Lutheran College, where he was respected by students for his passion and deep knowledge of the subject matter. He was also an active member of the local community, serving as Chairman of the Guadalupe Historical Commission and Rotary Club president. His commitment to preserving the history of Seguin, Guadalupe County, and Texas led him to write several books, including Under the Live Oak Tree; Seguin and Guadalupe County; Historic Guadalupe County; and The Kickapoo: Keepers of Tradition. He was instrumental in the founding of the Heritage Museum of Seguin, a project that was close to his heart, and he remained a dedicated advocate for local history throughout his retirement.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Polly Pinneo Gesick; his father, Edward John Gesick; and his brother, William Henry Gesick. He is survived by his four children, Kimberly (Jeff) Canfield, Laura (Theron) Gesick, Christine (Allen) Long, and Patrick Gesick; nine grandchildren: Cole Canfield; Cameron and Griffin Carlin; Sophie, Graham, Claire, and Amelia Long; Abigael and Blaise Gesick, as well as his niece and many friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Seguin, Texas. John's family invites you to a public reception to celebrate his life following the funeral service, which will be held at the Heritage Museum in Seguin. All are welcome to gather and share memories of John.
Private interment will be in San Geronimo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heritage Museum of Seguin and Guadalupe County, his passion project, 114 North River St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.