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ОглавлениеFrom Melon Fields to Moon Rocks
by
Dianna Borsi O'Brien
Charles W. Gehrke, better known as Dr. Gehrke in the halls of ABC Laboratories was a relentless individual, always looking for new/better ways, better science and never settling for a simple no or can’t as the answer. Dianna Borsi O’Brien captures the man and his passion for science and shares Charles’s story from a different perspective; the husband, father, friend and colleague and how his love of science was interwoven into his life.
Dr. Charles W. Gehrke’s contributions to science are still reflected almost five decades later in many of the processes and science still in use in developing better life saving drugs and safer food supplies.
In this biography, his family life, work and career are all laid before us, in a work that is the accurate, concise, revealing the “chemistry” that made this man special. Anyone who thinks they know Dr. Gehrke’s story should read this book to truly understand the man’s contribution not only to science, but his legacy to family, the Columbia, Missouri community and beyond.
— John Bucksath, joined ABC Labs in 1989, and served as president/CEO from 2012-2015
Scientist/business entrepreneur Charles Gehrke achieved renown while based in Columbia, Missouri. Writer Dianna O’Brien used her total access to produce an excellent account of a meaningful life.
— Steve Weinberg, author of six books including two biographies
Dr. Gehrke was a one of a kind who had managed to rise above his humble beginnings to international stature in his chosen field. This biography highlights Dr. Gehrke’s main legacy to Columbia, Missouri, in founding a successful company, ABC Laboratories, but also reveals his ego as well as his ambition. The book delves into some of the behind the scenes maneuvers, some of which will sound familiar to anyone acquainted with the actions of innovators and entrepreneurs, especially when they are confronted with barriers to success.
The author, Dianna Borsi O’Brien, does a good job of explaining the science behind this man’s thinking without dwelling too much on the details and delivers a biography that shows that it often takes a strong-willed person to push through various roadblocks to achieve the desired result, which in this case is science and a company that has stood the test of time.
The result is a book that shows how in many issues in his life Charles W. Gehrke either created conflict or solved problems, depending upon your point of view, bringing honor as well as notoriety to Columbia, Missouri, and the University of Missouri.
— Don Laird, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce 1988-2013
From Melon Fields to Moon Rocks
The adventurous life of biochemist and entrepreneur Charles W. Gehrke 1917 – 2009
Copyright © 2017 Dianna Borsi O’Brien.
First Edition, March 2017
Published in eBook format by Compass Flower Press
an imprint of AKA-Publishing
Columbia, Missouri
Converted by http://www.eBookIt.com
Also available in Trade Paperback and Dust-jacketed Hardback.
ISBN-13: 978-1-9421-6871-3 eBook
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission in advance from the author.
All photographs were provided by Charles W. Gehrke. In cases where it came to light that a photograph was previously published, the author sought reprint permission as noted. If prepublication of any other photographs come to light, the author is willing to make reasonable arrangements to acknowledge copyright in subsequent printings.
Designed by Ginny Booker, Columbia, Missouri
Compass Flower Press
an imprint of AKA-Publishing
Columbia, Missouri
DEDICATION
To the ladies and family who helped me.
To my beloved Virginia who supported and encouraged me all the way, I miss her so deeply.
To Dianna Borsi O’Brien who was so patient with me for a year in listening and writing this story.
And finally, to Jon and Susan, my living children, who encouraged me to tell my life story.
Charles W. Gehrke
April 23, 2008
