Joseph Edward Colgan

Joseph Edward Colgan, 79, of Bradford, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Joe was born on February 15, 1947, in Kewanee, IL, the son of Francis “Hank” and Lucille (Nellinger) Colgan. He was a proud graduate of Bradford High School. Joe began his college education on a football scholarship at Southern Illinois University Carbondale but found himself homesick for the farm. He returned home briefly before continuing his studies at Western Illinois University in Macomb. However, the sale barn in Macomb captured much of his attention, and he ultimately chose to return home to farm.

Joe was a lifelong farmer, tending both grain and livestock, though he particularly loved working with pigs. While home from college, he met a cheerleader named Sandra “Sandi” Blakey. Their courtship blossomed, and they were married on July 11, 1971, at the Wyoming United Methodist Church.

He was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bradford and the Farm Bureau. Above all, Joe cherished his family and treasured the time spent with them.

Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandi Colgan of Bradford; two children, Tina (Neil) Telander of North Liberty, IA and Gregory Colgan of Toulon; one grandchild, Kelby Telander; five siblings, Bill (Carol) Colgan of Princeville, Helen (Ken) Slane of Peoria, Robert Colgan of Bradford, Mary Ann (Butch) Knobloch of Tiskilwa and Peggy (Robert) Bauer of Knoxville, TN; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Colgan.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of the Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bradford, IL with Father Michael Schaab officiating. Burial will immediately follow at St. John Cemetery in Bradford.

Memorials may be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.