Daniel L. Kirchgessner, Longtime Galesburg Plumber, Dies at 80

Kirchgessner founded his own plumbing company in 1972 and was involved in the development of Oak Run community.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:22pm

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An abstract, blurred image of plumbing tools and equipment, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the fading of a local business era.The passing of a beloved local plumber and community leader leaves a void in Galesburg's infrastructure and history.Abingdon Today

Daniel L. Kirchgessner, a longtime plumber in Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 80 following a lengthy illness. Kirchgessner founded his own plumbing company, Kirchgessner Plumbing & Heating, in 1972 and was involved in many local construction projects, including the installation of the water main on the north side of Oak Run lake. He retired in 2017 to spend more time with his family and pursue his many hobbies.

Why it matters

Kirchgessner was a well-known figure in the Galesburg community, having operated his plumbing business for over 45 years and contributing to the development of the popular Oak Run community. His passing marks the end of an era for a local business owner who was deeply involved in the growth and infrastructure of the area.

The details

Kirchgessner was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1945 and graduated from Abingdon High School in 1963. He attended trade school in Omaha, Nebraska, and then became a union plumber, working on various projects including the construction of the Knox County Nursing Home and Cordova Nuclear Plant. In 1972, he opened his own plumbing company, Kirchgessner Plumbing & Heating, in Abingdon, Illinois, and built it up over the decades with many loyal customers. He was particularly proud of his work installing the water main on the north side of Oak Run lake, a community he was heavily involved in developing.

  • Kirchgessner was born on September 6, 1945.
  • He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1963.
  • Kirchgessner opened his plumbing company, Kirchgessner Plumbing & Heating, in 1972.
  • He retired in 2017 to spend more time with family and pursue hobbies.
  • Kirchgessner passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 80.

The players

Daniel L. Kirchgessner

A longtime plumber in Galesburg, Illinois, who founded his own company, Kirchgessner Plumbing & Heating, in 1972 and was involved in the development of the Oak Run community.

Nancy Clutts

Kirchgessner's first wife, with whom he had two children.

Susan Hicks Searl

Kirchgessner's second wife, whose family grew the Kirchgessner family by three additional children.

Gregory Kirchgessner

Kirchgessner's son, who lives in Abingdon, Illinois.

Gayla Hicks

Kirchgessner's daughter, who lives in Galesburg, Illinois.

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The takeaway

Kirchgessner's passing marks the end of an era for a well-known local business owner and community figure who played a significant role in Galesburg's growth and infrastructure over the course of his long career. His dedication to his plumbing company and involvement in developing the Oak Run community left a lasting impact on the area.