Denise Spielman, 71, of Galena, IL, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at home. A funeral mass will be held at Noon on Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Galena. Friends are welcome to gather from 10 AM until the time of the mass. Burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Denise was born on September 6, 1953, in West Bend, WI, to Denis “Dick” and Patricia (Brennan) Mayo. She graduated from Galena High School in 1972. On March 13, 2008, Denise married Charles R. “Chuck” Spielman in Galena. Throughout her career, she worked at Younkers in Dubuque, Galena Cellars Winery, the Galena History Museum, and Vignettes. Denise enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including reading, completing crossword puzzles, running and exercising, gardening, decorating, spending time with family, and watching Hallmark holiday movies. Denise was actively involved in her community, serving as a member of the Galena Chamber of Commerce (including several years on the board), Galena ARC (where she also served on the board), the Galena Historical Society & Museum (where she also served on the board), and the Galena Center for the Arts, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband, Charles R. “Chuck” Spielman, of Galena, IL; her daughter, Angela (Doug) Decker of Cedar Rapids, IA; her sons, Ryan (Ainsley Hudson) Hillard of Golden, CO, and Addam (Jeni Hunnicutt) Hillard of Columbus Junction, IA. Denise also leaves behind her grandchildren: Drew Distler of Chicago, IL; Luke Decker of Iowa City, IA; and Katelyn Maldonado of Columbus Junction, IA. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers: Terry Mayo of Monticello, IA; Curt (Pam) Mayo of Monticello, IA; Kelly (Darolyn) Mayo of La Plata, MD; and Jim (Kathleen) Werner of Hopkinton, MA, Chris Mayo of Simi Valley, CA; her sister, Pam Szponer of St. Charles, IL; and her sisters-in-law, Cindy (Clarence) Heacock of Dyersville, IA, and Cheryl (Jim) Huekels of Lowell, IN, and her stepmother, Barb Mayo, of Simi Valley, CA. Denise is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Richard “Dick” Werner; two sisters, Michelle Dominguez, and Kristine Hunt. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque in her memory. The family extends a special thank you to Barb Hocker, a long-time friend, and the staff at Mercy One Cancer Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care of Denise.