Joseph Stanley Pickett Jr., 82 of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 22, 2023.  Born in McKeesport, PA on October 20, 1940, and was raised on the south side of Chicago. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. He was a survivor of polio as a child, a proud Marine, a man of faith, and a legendary Brewmaster for nearly 50 years. In 1955 he began his brewing career washing wooden tanks with candlelight at the Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewery in Chicago and continued as a chemist at the Chicago Board of Trade until he moved to the Siebel Institute in the early 60s, where his career in the beer industry took off.  In 1970, Joe joined his father and brothers in buying the historic Dubuque Star Brewery and produced the award-winning Pickett’s beer. Joe also pioneered microbreweries in the early 80s with Millstream in Amana, IA.  In the 90s, he was in charge of brewing for G. Heilman and Pabst Breweries. He created microbreweries at various restaurants, notably Ellis Island in Las Vegas and Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago.  Joe used his creativity until the end developing and receiving two patents for the Tsunami, a new innovative science-based method of cleaning draft beer lines. A gift to the brewing industry, Tsunami will revolutionize the beer business by saving tens of millions of gallons of water and beer and delivering the freshest and safest draft beer possible.  Joe traveled extensively throughout his life to Europe, South America, Australia, South Africa, and China, where he loved to say, “I was in China before Kissinger”.  He was always full of life, joy, humor, and contagious charisma.  He relished a challenge and was an avid fisherman who loved the outdoors, especially birdwatching on his back deck in Galena. Joe will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, beloved cousin, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife Christa, son Joe, and his brothers Val (Laurelle), Rich (Mary), and Steve (Doreen) Pickett. “Semper Fi”. A celebration of life will be held at the family’s home on May 27, 2023. A service will begin at Noon, followed by dogs and beef.