Jacob "Jake" E. Gessner

Jacob E. “Jake” Gessner, 89, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away after a long illness on June 8, 2024. Jake was born in Rockford, Illinois on June 16, 1934 to Olga (Wallschlaeger) and J.A.Paul Gessner.

He attended Rockford Schools and graduated from Rockford West High. He enlisted and served 4 years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the supply ship U.S.S. Amphion. After returning home he worked as an apprentice bricklayer in the Bricklayers Union in Rockford. He worked alongside his brothers John and Ron for their fathers’ business, Paul Gessner & Sons General Contracting for several years. Jake joined the Rockford Police Department on March 1st, 1961. He met many treasured lifelong friends and rose to the rank of Lieutenant in the Detective Bureau. He was a well respected member of the force and helped to solve a number of high profile homicide cases. He retired in September of 1985. He graduated from the 90th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. During his career he served as Treasurer of the Police Benevolent & Protection Association and Treasurer of the Illinois Police Association in Rockford. Jake was a member of the Rockford Retired Police Officers Association, the V.F.W, and the American Legion, serving two years as Commander of American Legion Post 24 in Tombstone, Arizona.

He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, golfing, trap shooting, motorcycling, traveling in their RV and just having fun with his friends and family.

Jacob is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife Pauline, son Scott (Monica) Gessner, Step-children David (Jill) Clarke and Amouree (Charles) Wilcox, grandchildren Jason (Tracey) Gessner, Michelle (Dan) Reece, Melissa (Raul) Leon, Nichole Clarke, Timothy Clarke, Amanda (Adam) Morrow, Erin (Jason) Mick and Aaron Forbes, numerous great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jacob was predeceased by his parents, son Michael Gessner, brothers John Gessner, Ronald Gessner and Paul Gessner, step-son Robert Clarke and wives Joanne (Clarke) and Ann (Karlstrom) Gessner.

A celebration of his life will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM July 1,2024 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115, with Police and Military Honors to begin at 12:15 p.m.