John T. Birkenheier, 78, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully in the arms of his devoted wife Joni on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Stonehill in Dubuque, IA. Private family services will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. He was born in Evanston, IL, the son of Frank and Maryon (Walsh) Birkenheier. John graduated from St. George High School in Evanston in 1966. He became an Evanston police officer in 1969 and served with distinction for 30 years before retiring in 1999. John married his wife of 39 years, Joanne Reynolds, in 1987. In 2012, they moved to Galena. He was known for his sense of humor, mentoring new officers, and his love for a good cocktail. John enjoyed cooking and could tell you everything about cleaning and properly preserving cast-iron cookware, as well as anything made of wood. He had extensive knowledge of history. He loved his Galena home and his beautiful property in the countryside. He is survived by his wife, Joni; a son, Michael; his sister Judith (Hugh) Kenzel; two brothers-in-law, Tom (Donna) Reynolds and Kevin O’Connor; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Janet Petersen; his in-laws, Robert (Evelyn) Reynolds; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen O’Connor. The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the Galena Fire Department and EMS, as well as the physicians at Medical Associates in Dubuque, who have provided medical care over the years.
John T. Birkenheier
Sorry to hear of John’s passing, although it has been many years since we have spoken, all my memories were pleasant. John was always polite and friendly. My deepest condolences to Joni, his family and friends. Sleep well John
I worked with John for 10 years he wasn’t a person to mince words and told you exactly how he felt which to me was a wonderful quality you knew where stood with my late husband also worked with John on the fire department and he always spoke highly of Jon he will be missed
To Joni and John’s family, friends and colleagues, my condolences. John was a great guy. He told me stories about when my father broke him in as a rookie. Rest in peace.
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. At the request of John Huinker and the German American Police Association, John will be remembered at the next Police Mass.
In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: http://www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
Joanie, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was truly one of the good guys and will be remembered well and fondly.
Always a nice man, with a beautiful smile. Joni and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
John was my first training officer when I joined the department in 1996. I was honored to be trained by him due to his knowledge of the job and insight that only a Great Man could pass down to a rookie. I still use the skills and stories that John had taught me 30 years ago with the new rookies that come on the department. Thank you John for making me the cop I am today. God Bless you and your family.
John was my field training officer — a cop’s cop and one of the finest men I’ve ever known. Rest in peace, John.
I worked with John for years in the detective bureau and he was an outstanding detective who cleared many serious crimes and worked a lot of overtime because he was so dedicated to the job. We also had a lot of laughs together and he had a great sense of humor. John will be sorely missed as he was a great guy who was fun to be around. God bless John and I hope to see him on the other side.
Our hearts go out to Joni and her family for the loss of John “her rock”. Myself, Linda and her sister Judy all worked with John almost his whole career at EPD. John was a mentor to many of young officers when we came on the job .His stature in size and character was impressive and always calmed people at their worst. When he got excited everyone knew it. I can truly say as a childhood friend of my family for over 70 years, John was always the same. He was an outstanding Police Officer and very meticulous in his reports,. His love for his wife and family was ever constant and true. We will miss John .
We are very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to his wife, Joni and his family. I know John was ” her rock”. I, Linda and her sister, Judy worked with John almost his whole career with EPD. John was a mentor to many new officers coming on the job. He was meticulous in his reports and he was one of the finest Police officers I ever worked with. John taught me how to mentor others before he retired. His physical stature and character were impressive as a room of chaos calmed down immediately when John entered into it. John was a childhood friend from the same parish for some 70 years .His love for his wife, Joni and his family was ever constant. His presence will be missed.
Jean and I first met John and Joni through a mutual friend. We quickly found we had many mutual interests. We spent many afternoons at lunch and various Galena area restaurants. I have many friends but few really good friends. I considered John a really good friend. I could see John’s mobility challenges but he always soldiered on. When we talked on the phone he never complained. I miss John already and Galena, the world and my life is a lesser place without him. I hope John knows we will keep Joni in our prayers and that she can count on us for any help she may need.
John and I first met in 1967 and a lot of water has gone under the bridge since we last spoke.
He was a man of good humor, integrity and honor. It was his inspiration that led me to a career
in law enforcement. Rest in peace my friend. Maybe somewhere down the line we can share a
bottle of good scotch and get caught up.