JoAnn Hesselbacher, 81, of Galena, IL passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, December 15, 2024, at Midwest Senior Care Center.  She completed her earthly journey surrounded by her family.

A visitation will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, from 3pm - 7pm and Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 9am - 10:15am at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 536 E. Schapville Rd.  Scales Mound, IL 61075. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am at the church with burial of the cremated remains to follow at the St. John's Guilford Cemetery.

Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is assisting the family with arrangements.

JoAnn was born May 6, 1943, at Hazel Green Hospital, WI, to Joseph and Marieta (Smart) Pope.  She married Keith Hesselbacher, on August 23, 1969, at the United Methodist Church in Galena, IL.  She graduated from Galena High School in 1961 and later obtained her RN from Freeport Nursing School and her BSN from Chicago Circle Campus.  She started her nursing career at Galena Stauss Hospital where she had many roles including inservice coordinator.  During that time she also taught a CNA course at Galena High School, as well as many Lamaze, CPR, and Freedom from Smoking classes.  She continued her career at Jo Daviess County Health Dept., Kreider Services, Midwest Senior Care Center and the Jo Daviess County Workshop.

You would often find JoAnn reading, shopping, gardening, taking photos, watching grandchildren, and enjoying her time with family.  The one thing she did not enjoy was "The Farm" and she made sure everyone knew it!  She went along with it for all these years, though, because she loved her husband very much.

She is survived by her husband, Keith; her daughter, Sarah; and her son, Eric (Nikki); her grandchildren who were her most precious gifts- TJ, Sam, Gwen, Augie, Sadie, Elodie and Archie; her sister, Donna Wilmarth; and nephew; David (Heidi); sister-in-law, Sharon Phillips; and nieces, Joellyn (Don) and Vicki; and her great-nephews, Ben, Aidan and Evon; and her great-niece,Eden.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, William C. Wilmarth.

The family wishes to thank Margo Dworak, Dr. Koenigs and staff at Medical Associates, the staff at Midwest Senior Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for their extraordinary care and compassion.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©