Barbara Hanneken

Barbara Jean (Wilson) Hanneken, 79, of Brussels, Illinois, passed away on October 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Jerseyville, Illinois, Barbara was the daughter of the late Walter and Margaret Wilson. She grew up in Grafton, Illinois, and graduated from Jerseyville High School in 1964. Following graduation, she attended beauty school, pursuing her passion for doing hair. Barb always enjoyed the opportunity to make others look and feel their best.

Throughout her life, Barb had a creative spirit and a love for crafting. There wasn't much she wouldn't try, but in recent years, she discovered a special passion for diamond dot art. Her family estimates she completed more than 100 projects, each one a reflection of her patience, creativity, and attention to detail. She especially enjoyed sharing her creations with others and spent the past several years selling her artwork at the annual Brussels Art in the Park.

Barb also dedicated 21 years to her work in the housekeeping department at Principia College, where she remained until her retirement in 2012.

Barb's life was filled with family, love, and a unique journey that brought her back to a familiar love. She first married Bernard Hanneken on November 26, 1966. She later married Jim Phillips in 1997, and they shared their lives together until his passing in 2012. In 2019, life came full circle when Barb and Ben remarried, beginning another chapter of their story together.

Above all, Barb treasured her family. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will continue through the generations.

She is survived by her husband, Bernard Hanneken; her children, Angela Schemm, Candy Allen (Sam Bennett), John Phillips (Lindsey), and Missy Phillips; her beloved grandchildren, Charleston and Carolina Schemm, Chase (Crysten), Payton, and Macy Allen, and Anna and Aidan Phillips; and her great-grandson, Kaden Allen.

She is also survived by her sister, Nancy May (Mal), and her nieces, Carrie Martin (Jay), Casey Conger (Howie), and Caryn Shelton-May (Natalie), along with extended family and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Margaret Wilson, her dearly loved mother-in-law, Ida Hanneken, her father-in-law, Benjamin Hanneken, and her former husband, Jim Phillips.

Her daughters will miss all the crazy times they shared with their mom, including traveling for craft weekends, lots of laughter, many ice cold beers and lots of fresh fried fish.

Barb will be remembered for her crazy personality, her love of family, and the many ways she shared her talents with those around her. Whether she was doing someone's hair, working on her latest craft project, or spending time with loved ones, she left behind memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Brussels.

Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Brussels, IL.

Online condolences can be made at www.kallalandschaaf.com.

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