Sally C. Gessner, 75, of Mt. Vernon, IL, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2023 at home in Boulder Junction, WI.
She was born on May 22, 1948, in Ottawa, IL, to the late Ralph and Barbara (Whitaker) Claus. Sally married Todd Gessner of Kankakee, Illinois.
In addition to her husband, Sally is survived by her children: Brant Gessner and wife Jamie of Hoschton, GA, Heather Owens and husband Jason of Mt. Vernon, IL; grandchildren Hannah Owens, Evan Owens, Ella Gessner, Anna Gessner, Jackson Gessner, and Sam Gessner; brother Jeff Claus and wife Judy Hyman of Ithaca, NY, and special blessings Jazmin and Valentine Garcia and their children Daniel and Val Jr. of Mexico.
Sally loved people and connecting with others through her work. Sally worked in the dental field as a hygienist for over 40 years. Additionally, Sally spent 28 years, from 1994 to 2022, as a tax preparer for H&R Block.
Sally loved the Lord and serving others. She served 28 times as a medical missionary in Mexico and Honduras with TIME for Christ and BMDMI. Her kindness and compassion knew no borders, and she made a significant impact on the lives of those she touched.
Sally is remembered not only for her love and dedication to her family but also for her active involvement in her community and beyond. She was a proud member of PEO and dedicated her time to many charitable causes. Sally served on the board of the Boulder Junction Library, promoting education and literacy. She was also a passionate volunteer at the Northwoods Discovery Center, fostering a love for nature in others. She was a faithful member of Logan Street Church in Mt. Vernon for many years and also active in the Community Church of Boulder Junction.
Sally was an avid bridge player and loved to explore the world through travel. She enjoyed gardening, hiking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at the Community Church of Boulder Junction, WI at 11:00 a.m.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters, WI, or to BMDMI (Baptist Medical & Dental Missions International) for a missionary scholarship.
