Joseph “Joey” Hannaman, 62, of Galena, IL, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Galena Eagles Club. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. He was born on January 6, 1964, in Galena, the son of George and Joyce (Holgate) Hannaman. Joe graduated from Galena High School in 1983 and worked as a dough maker for Happy Joe’s in Galena for many years. He enjoyed fishing, buying antiques, collecting guns and knives, and playing bingo. Joe loved engaging in conversation and will be remembered as the unregistered mayor of Gear Street. He was a well-known figure in Galena, often seen walking downtown or chatting with people in front of his house. Joe is survived by four brothers: Roy, James, David, and George Hannaman; four sisters: Marian Vaassen, Jane Vaassen, Ann (friend Joe) Laird, and Joyce Hannaman; and a sister-in-law, Jean Hannaman. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Paul, and a sister-in-law, Alice Hannaman. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at Midwest Medical Center and to the many friends and neighbors in the city of Galena for always looking out for Joe.
Joseph “Joey” Hannaman
Joe will always be known and remembered as our first customer at the Galena farmers market every Saturday. He always had a kind word and a helping hand. I was impressed at his dedication of rising early to check up on all of the vendors. I will miss seeing him walking around Galena. He will be missed. Prayers and sympathy with you all.
I’m so sorry to learn of Joey’s passing. He was in my very first class when I began teaching in Galena.
A charming little boy with a great smile. RIP.
We will really miss Joey. Sending prayers to the family. Fly high my friend.
Joe will be very missed! Joe was always there to help you with anything you needed. What a good person and friend.
You’ll be dearly missed, my friend , Sweety
Luv ya
My condolences to the family. Joey, ill miss you as crazy as you were, but also someone i could always talk to and exchange laughs with. I loved seeing you around town, fly high brother. Love ya bud.
May god bless you and peace be with you.
Joey you will always be missed.remembered.we remember some of the crazy things you did our friend and thanks for always being there to give me and Nils a hand love you forever joey
He was one of my favorites always stop and say hi to me in ayala’s restaurant
Rest in peace and god bless you and his hands
We’re going to miss you
Amigo y hermano
We could count on Joe every Saturday morning at Galena farmers market at 6 AM greeting us with a kind word and a big smile and also many times with a helping hand. Our Market family considered him a part of it. We will dearly miss him and his early morning visits. Whenever I saw him walking around Galena always a big wave and smile. Our prayers and condolences to the family.. his memory will live on.
Joey was a great guy. I didn’t get to know him much but I looked forward to seeing him again. He was a very nice person that would always talk to anyone. I will miss him.
On behalf of Larry and Jackie Richardson we send our condolences
Joe was one of a kind, I liked talking to him, he will be missed
I didn’t know Joe long but he showed myself and my son a kindness most never know. He was a sweet heart and the lost of him hurts so many. He will live on in all the kindness he has spread to all. My deepest condolences and prayers to all family and friends. Joe was loved by so many! 🕊️
Sorry to hear of Joe’s death he was a character. Sending sympathy and prayers to all the family
Joe was like a member of our family
He was the first person we met when we moved here
The first day we met he saw me sitting on the porch contemplating unloading a large U-Haul truck
He was holding a five gallon pail and a fishing pole
I felt like I was in Mayberry RFD
He asked me if I was the new owner
I nodded yes
He asked where is your help?
I said you’re looking at it
In a heartbeat he set down the bucket saying “ looks like I’m not going fishing today”
That man helped me unload the truck and we were friends for the twelve years we’ve been here
Every day “ the Mayor of Gear Street “ would walk past our house several times
Most of those days he would sit with me and Cynthia ( and our dog Wrigley) on our front porch or in the back yard
He became part of our family
We truly loved this wonderful person who was so caring, trustworthy, and eternally happy
Rest in Peace brother
We will miss you daily until we meet again
He will be missed. through thick and thin he was there
sorry for your loss my condolences
Joe has been a friend since 1984 when I first moved to Galena. He used to visit with me at my Spring street pottery shop after making dough at Happy Joe’s. He was a bright light in the world and I will miss seeing him on the streets in Galena.
I remember Joey as a very sweet little boy. That little boy grew into a wonderful young man. I will remember and cherish the conversations Joey and I had whenever we would meet on Main street. Joey touched a lot of hearts.
Big Joe we will miss you at bingo..always had a lot of fun with you…May you R.I.P
Joey, you were our neighbor TWICE….lol. Dodge Street and Gear Street. It was always fun talking with you when I was still in Galena. You were always there to help, also!! Thank you for always being so kind. First we missed your Dad, then Paul, then your Mom, then Alice and now you. I think that’s the correct order? We’ll see you again in Heaven one day, Joe! You will be missed by so many and loved by so many!!
I remember Joey growing up he was always there to help out anyone. He could always be seen walking everywhere RIP Joey
Sorry for the family’s loss
Rip buddy
Rip my friend
I’m going to miss Joe’s hugs whenever he saw me he always had a hug for me, we were the opening shift at Happy Joe’s for 10years, we had some good times .rest in peace big guy.
Galena has lost a familiar and kind soul. His daily walks, friendly conversations, and watchful presence were part of what made this town feel like home. He will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
I would like to thank each and everyone for the wonderful stories and memories you shared.
Joe “Joey” had a contagious smile and a big heart ❤️ He always willing to put out a helping hand. He loved to bullshit and he was loved.
I will always miss my little brother Joe and I love you, Ann ❤️ 💙 💜
Ann, I always wondered where your brother Jim was. He and I were great friends growing up. Do you have any information on him? You can email me.
I recall Joeys affectious smile and demeanor. His conversations would be positive and brightly engaging. Some time has passed since last visited with him, Paul’s visitation and a visit with Joey and his Mother on Gear St. Our family extends their sympathy and heartfelt thoughts. RIP Cuz
I did not personally know Joey, but I always appreciated his kind wave when I drove down Gear Street. He always made me feel better and put a smile on my face.
Susan Votroubek
Galena
Simple “HI” by Joe made my day.