David R. “Chief” Shuey, 85, of Galena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Harmony Care Center in Dubuque, IA. A funeral service will be held at 7 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may call after 4 PM until the service begins. Military honors will be presented at the end of the service by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. He was born on August 6, 1940, in Galena, the son of Robert “Glenn” and Edith (Manz) Shuey. Dave attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Galena High School in 1959. He joined the United States Navy in 1959. Dave traveled the world, serving in and out of the continental United States until retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy on December 12, 1978. During his Navy service, he met Sharon L. Craig. They married in Virginia Beach, VA, on February 5, 1966. After retiring, he and Sharon moved back to his family home in Galena. Dave worked for the Galena Territory Association as chief of security, safety, and deer management for 20 years until his retirement in 1999. He loved traveling, hunting, fishing, reading cookbooks, taking road trips, and spending time at the river with family and friends. Dave was an avid collector of guns, knives, coins, office supplies, and a wide range of other items. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the Galena Elks Lodge, the Eagles Club, the Moose Lodge, and VFW Post #2665 of Galena. His love for his wife and daughters was boundless, and his devotion to them will leave a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife Sharon of Galena, three daughters Heather Gietl, and Cyndy (Jacob Schwartz) Montgomery both of Galena, Shannon (Dan) Kane of Dubuque, along with seven grandchildren—Hanna Gietl, Curtis (Celeste) Cook, Lex (Liubov) Montgomery, Lacey (Ben) Kammes, Linzy Montgomery (Cooper), Daniel (Kristine) Kane, and Mia Kane (Devin)—and five great-grandchildren—Emma, Paizley, and Parker Cook, Owen Kammes, and Kane Griswold. He also leaves behind a brother, Bill (Pat) Shuey, four sisters—Mary Jean Mullen, Diane (Marty) Rosenthal, Susan (Greg) Pfaff, and Martha (Dan) Dittmar—and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter in infancy, Christine Shuey; a brother in infancy, Richard Shuey; three sisters—Karen, Ruth Shuey, and Judy White; and two brothers-in-law, Terry White and Drew Mullen. The family wishes to thank all the nurses, staff, and residents at Harmony of Dubuque, as well as the Hospice Care Initiative of Manchester, for their care, time, and love given to Dave in his final years. The Shuey family is forever grateful to everyone who touched our lives and Dave’s. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and will be donated to a charitable cause in Dave’s name.
David R. “Chief” Shuey
Poppa Shuey was such an amazing man and will be missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss
Wonderful man with an incredible family. Our thoughts and condolences to his amazing family!
Sending hugs and prayers to Chief’s family. It was a pleasure to know and work with him.
On behalf of Larry and Jackie Richardson we send our condolences
Our Deepest condolences.
My deepest condolences to the family of “Chief “. I worked at the Galen’s Territory and Eagle Ridge throughout Dave’s time there. He always had a smile on his face and a great sense of humor. What a joy it was to know him. Rest in peace Dave.
Thoughts sndmorsyers to the entire family. May you rest in peace Chief!
A truly great man. Loved by all who knew him. Funny beyond measure. Respected for his leadership and knowledge. Love and sympathy to Sharon and family. ❤️
Sending much love to the Shuey Family. The Chief was well loved by his family, friends and many many people who met him along the way. May he rest in peace.
Love,
Susie (Murphy) Roth and Michael Roth
My deepest sympathies for your loss. He was a great man. He was so much fun working with him at The Galena Territory. Always a smile and a kind word.
Rest in Peace Chief 🙏❤️
May the wind be, always at your back Chief! R.I.P.
i’m so sorry for your loss
My condolences to your family with the loss of David. They lived across the street from my parents on Franklin. My Dad always enjoyed talking with David.
David was just a great person. His brother, Bill and his siblings and family will always remember him for his great attitude and love if life. Rest well, David!