Gretchen S. Johnson

Gretchen S. Johnson, age 72, of Chicago, IL, formerly of Cambridge, MA, and Richmond, IL, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Fontana, WI. She was born in Wabasha, MN, on November 20,1949, to the late Donald W. and Virginia T. (Averbeck) Johnson. “Aunt Gretchie” was the life of family gatherings always wearing a smile and often laughing with her nieces, nephews, and their children. She hosted many outings including Bulls games and trips to the Magnificent Mile that were never forgotten special events. At the same time, her devotion to her career was unparalleled. She was always excited about her next venture. Gretchen graduated from Richmond-Burton Community High School in 1968. After receiving a B.S. from Western Illinois University, Gretchen began her career, teaching business at Barrington High School, in IL. Upon receiving an M.S. in Administration, she became Dean of Students at Barrington. Her love of the city prompted her to leave teaching and begin a sales careering in downtown Chicago. That decision ultimately led her to commercialization and executive management positions with several companies. With 30 years of experience in the biotech field, she was an innovator in the commercialization of cell-based products. At Biosurface Technology, which was then sold to Genzyme, she commercialized the first cellular therapy ever, which resulted in early adoption of novel autologous cell therapies. Later, Gretchen was founder and CEO of KeraCure, Inc., a tissue regeneration company where she grew all aspects of the business. She was a co-founder and most recently, CEO of Tract Therapeutics, a company focused on unique cellular therapy to regulate a patient’s immune system. In addition to working with these companies, she was an active in the programs aimed at mentoring start-up life science companies. She also served as a ir of the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization and as a Board member for two additional early stage biotech companies. She also taught at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business. She is survived by her twin sister, Greta (Tom) Lesniak, of Minooka, IL; sister Kathy (David) Rappaport, of Fontana WI and Sanibel, FL; brother Gregory (Cathy) Johnson, of Geneva, IL.; seven nieces and nephews: Luke Lesniak, Jake Lesniak, Maggie Brandenburg, Sam Lesniak, Jennifer Clumpner, Gregory Clumpner, Alex Johnson; and nine great nieces and nephews. Interment will be in Richmond Cemetery in Richmond, IL, with a private family gathering. A Celebration of Life is pending in Chicago. Memorials may be made to your favorite charity. For more information, please call 815-678-7311 or visit ehornadams.com.

Gretchen S. Johnson

November 20, 1949 - May 19, 2022