Joseph J. DeFauw, 87, of Moline, IL, passed away Wednesday December 10, 2025, peacefully at his home. As per Joe's request there will be no services.

Joe was born August 12, 1938, Rock Island, IL, the son of Camiel and Madaline (Wittervongel) DeFauw. He served in the US Air Force. He married Maria Bustos October 5, 1963, in St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline. She passed away January 28, 1995.

Joe was a member of the Teamsters Union and was a truck driver for over 40 years. He was a proud military veteran, lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, and devoted motorcycle rider.

Ornery? Oh yes. Funny? Always—sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. Obstinate? Without a doubt.

But beneath that tough, loud, wonderfully hard-headed exterior was a kind and gentle soul—the sort of man who would give you the shirt off his back, the last dollar in his wallet. If you were someone he loved, he'd move mountains for you

He may be gone from our sight, but his stories, his stubborn charm, and his generous heart will stick around forever—whether we asked for them or not.

Survivors include his children, Alicia (Jason) Blythe, Naples, FL and Joey DeFauw (Jessica Suits) Silvis, IL; granddaughter, Chloe; and his loving companion of 30 years, Barbara Pettifer, Moline; her daughter, Jennifer (Mick) Claeys and their children, Tyler, Brady and Emily.

Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers or Wounded Warriors.