Joanne Marie Heffernan, 80, of Shullsburg, WI, formerly of Scales Mound, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members at Midwest Medical Center on Friday, January 16, 2026.

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, IL. Interment will take place at the Scales Mound Township Cemetery at a later date.

Joanne was born January 20, 1945, in Lemmon, South Dakota, the daughter of Fred and Hilda (Miller) Baumeister. She grew up in rural South Dakota before marrying James Heffernan on June 1, 1963, in Lemmon, SD. Together, they moved to Scales Mound, IL where they raised their three children. Joanne was a homemaker before going to work at Microswitch Corporation in Galena, IL where she formed many long-lasting friendships before her retirement.

Joanne was a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed annual family trips to South Dakota when her boys were growing up and gathering with friends for competitive card games and lively conversation. Her love for games was evident as her and Jim spent their later years playing nightly card games together. Always supportive, Joanne loved watching her grandchildren play sports and was known to slip them a dollar or two after a game. She will be greatly missed in the stands. Also special to her was her furry companion, Pepper, who always knew where to find an extra treat.

Joanne had a lifelong love of flowers and always decorated her yard so beautifully. She had a love for Black Hills jewelry and was a collector of Southwest Native art, displaying it proudly in her home. She loved simple pleasures like cooking, watching westerns, and celebrating holidays but spending time with family and friends brought her the most joy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 62 years, Jim, Sr.; her three children, James E. (April) of Apple River, David (Leanne) of Galena, and Gene (Lacey) of Scales Mound; her eight grandchildren, Gage (Lindsay Glynn) Heffernan of Washington, DC, Angel (Aragorn Howard) Heffernan of Warren, Chivonne (Nick Vrstal) Olsen of Apple River, Danielle Benson of Galena, and Isaac, Ella, Quinn, and Bryce Heffernan of Scales Mound; seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; one brother, Neil (Rose) Baumeister; one sister, Leona Croal; many nieces and nephews; and multiple brother and sisters-in-law.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, LaVern, Gene, and Lyle Baumeister; her in-laws, Edward and Hazel Heffernan, and many brother and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Bland and a very special thank you to Dr. Vandigo and the Midwest Medical Center nurses and staff for their kind and compassionate care.

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