Joan M. Hanlin

Joan Marie (Reese) Hanlin, 90, of Byron, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at Generations at Neighbors.

Born on February 16, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, Joan moved with her family to Byron in 1974, where they established the land now known as the Twin Oaks subdivision. She cherished farm life, especially working with baby piglets, and was devoted to raising her three sons.

A dedicated nurse, Joan cared for others with compassion throughout her career. She also proudly served more than 20 years with the Byron Fire Department as both an EMT and Trustee, a role she often called one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. A woman of deep faith, Joan was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron, and was named Catholic Woman of the Year in 2010 by the Rockford Deanery Council of Catholic Women.

Joan is survived by her sons Bill (Cindy), Tom (Christy), and Dan (Susie); grandchildren Travis (Candace), Rachel (Austin), Lindsay (Jake), Tyler (Myckala), Emily (Tim), and Joe (Elizabeth); great-grandchildren Ingrid Hanlin, William, Owen, and Lanora Safranek, Millie Schuessler; and brother Jack Reese. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marguerite Reese, sister, Jean Trimmer, and sister-in-law, Mary Kay Reese.

She will be laid to rest at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Byron, following funeral services. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Byron. The funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is established in Joan’s name for the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL.

https://serenityhospiceandhome.org