Longtime LGBTQ+ advocate and fundraiser Phil Hannema died Nov. 17 due to natural causes. He was 98.
Hannema’s celebration of life will take place Friday, June 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3646 N. Halsted St., in the upstairs event space.
Hannema was born June 30, 1926, in Chicago and grew up in the South Side Roseland neighborhood. He graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago and promptly enlisted in the U.S. Army. Hannema was stationed in Alaska during the final year of World War II and then was transferred to Fort Knox. He was inducted in 1950 with the rank of Corporal and in 1952 was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves. He was subsequently honorably discharged in 1957.
After his stint in the U.S. Army, Hannema attended the University of South Dakota where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Hannema did accounting work for the Department of Agriculture and retired at the age of 49.
Hannema had to keep his gay identity a secret until he retired. He decided to give back to the LGBTQ+ community in many ways from the late ‘70s to the early 2010s. Hannema was a longtime volunteer for Chicago House and Social Service Agency where he first helped the organization’s treasurer with invoices and payments, along with many other roles such as tending their gardens. He also served as the Illinois Federation of Human Rights PAC (now called Equality Illinois PAC) treasurer and Equality Illinois assistant treasurer and board of directors member, as well as other volunteer activities for that organization. Hannema supported LGBTQ+ sports activities as the treasurer for the Windy City Athletic Association.
Additionally, Hannema did numerous fund-raising activities for many social service and political causes and mentored people of all ages. He also donated significant funds to help support Heartland Alliance Health Northside Food Program throughout its many name changes.
In 2000, Hannema was inducted into Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame, of which he was subsequently also a volunteer committee member and fundraiser for many years.
Hannema was preceded in death by his father Tjerk (Ted) Hannema, mother Sarah Hannema (nee Zylstra), and brother Alvin Hannema. He is survived by his brother Charles Hannema; nieces Tracey Bozaan, Christine Masefield and Suzanne Austin; and countless chosen family members and friends.
Close friends remember Hannema
Howard Polay said, “In 1991, Phil, together with another common close friend, and I took a trip to Napa Valley in California and rented a cabin for a few days. We did some hiking, and Phil, being an avid photographer, took many pictures of the beautiful scenery. After that, we drove into San Francisco in our rental car and checked into a small hotel in the Castro District. While there, we noticed that there was a musical playing at a local theater titled Dirty Dreams of a Clean Cut Kid. It was about being a young, gay man trying to survive in the horrible times of AIDS, while exploring one’s sexuality. We were quite impressed with the production, and it was especially poignant for our other friend, who had just lost his partner of almost 30 years the previous year.
“After returning to Chicago, our friend being a widower and being a novice living a single life, decided that he would like to try a bring the production home. He asked Phil if he would be willing to co-produce the musical, and Phil agreed. The undertaking was quite a financial risk for both Phil and Joe. However, in 1992, the production came to life and had a very profound impact on the local LGBTQ community. That experience will forever remain emblazoned in my mind, and in my heart. Phil was one of a kind, and I will miss his friendship dearly.”
Jack Delaney said, “I knew Phil for over 40 years, and he was a very great friend who was generous with his support to the LGBTQ community both in his time volunteering and his financial contributions, both here in Chicago, and also when he used to winter out in Palm Springs CA.”
Heartland Alliance Health Northside Food Program Founder Lori Cannon said, “My friendship with Phil goes back 40 years, wow. What an honor it has been. I was one of the first volunteers at Chicago House, when Thom Dombkowski opened it in 1985. Phil was on the board as treasurer, and a finer treasurer never existed. He kept those books like nobody’s business. Over the years Phil became known as a very generous donor to so many nonprofits in Chicago, one being my agency: Open Hand. Phil was a rare breed of distinguished gentleman, smart as a whip treasurer and strategist, but mostly a loyal friend who supported his community and those who served it. I consider myself most fortunate to be part of his circle”
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mike McHale said, “I met Phil in the early 1990s through the gay softball league. Phil was the unofficial photographer for the league back then. He would take pictures during the season of most of the players. Unknown to any of us, he spent his own money developing the film and at the end of the season he gave a small stack of photos to each player of themselves. I still look at those photos sometimes, and as a 60 year-old seeing those pictures of me in my early 20’s takes me back to a wonderful and fun part of life. It was truly a thoughtful gift from Phil.
“Phil volunteered his time from the inception of Equality Illinois. We were on the Board of Directors together for many years. Back then we were a tiny grass-roots organization barely surviving month-to-month. Phil was our treasurer and was invaluable in helping us prioritize which bills needed to be paid and others that could wait. As the organization grew, large sums of money were coming in, especially when we were fighting hard to pass the gay civil rights bill from 2003-2005. I was the president of that organization and worked with Phil side-by-side. Those were very intense years and we were all under a lot of pressure to succeed. Finances obviously played a huge role in that effort, and I knew I could always count on Phil to know down to the penny with the available funds we had to work with. We passed that bill amending the Illinois Human Rights Act in January 2005 which protected all LGBT Illinois citizens for the first time against discrimination in Housing, Employment, Lending and Public Accommodations. Phil played a major role in that success and were very grateful for him volunteering his expertise.
“Phil was a good, kind, generous, strong and decent man who helped our community for decades. I am very proud to have known him and call him my friend.”
Former Illinois state legislator (both chambers) Carol Ronen said, “I loved Phil Hannema. He was a wonderful friend. When few others would support my campaign for state representative, Phil did then and always. He encouraged and helped me pass laws to protect the GLBT community. He was quiet and strong and always did the right thing.”
Retired Cook County Circuit Court Judge Tom Chiola said, “Phil was one of the original GOBs (Good Ol’ Broads), always supportive, whether it be helping get the first gay softball leagues established or finally electing members of the LGBT community to office. He never asked for anything in return, but relished the joy of seeing the community move forward since he had endured days when being gay could get you fired or thrown out of the military where he had served proudly. Phil had his shoulder to the wheel of progress that pushed the LGBT community into the 21st century. His efforts are sorely needed today more than ever, and that is why he will be missed.”
Legacy Project Co-Founder and Executive Director Victor Salvo said, “Phil was truly a gentleman. One of the kindest, most generous and good-natured people I have ever had the pleasure to know. The number of organizations he helped out, quietly behind the scenes, is quite long. It is difficult to imagine this world without him.”
Jim Darby said, “Phil was a longtime member of American Veterans for Equal Rights. He was one of our most dedicated, longtime and generous members. Phil was proud to be a gay veteran. He served his country honorably at a time when he had to keep his gay identity a secret from everyone. We will miss him dearly.”
Richard Turner said, “Phil was a kind and gracious gentleman, ‘No’ was not in his vocabulary when it came to working/volunteering for our community. Never in the spotlight but always there. His smile and twinkle will be missed. He will be very missed.”
Dean Ogren said, “Phil was a treasure to this community. I will always cherish the time I had with him, and all the wonderful work he did for the community. He was an example of how one person can make a difference to so many others. So thoughtful and caring of others, Phil was an example of a true friend, and partner in our community. I am sad to see he is gone but will enjoy the many fond memories.”
Former Center on Halsted CEO Modesto Tico Valle said, “Phil was an extraordinary force in the LGBTQ+ community, leaving an indelible mark through his unwavering dedication and passion. A devoted volunteer and generous donor, he championed numerous organizations, including Center on Halsted, the Legacy Project and Equality Illinois. His commitment transcended mere financial contributions; he poured his heart into every endeavor, serving as a board member, rallying for justice, and being a steadfast presence at countless fundraising events.
“Phil’s tireless advocacy and love for his community were rightfully recognized with his induction into the LGBT Hall of Fame, a testament to the profound impact he made in the lives of many. His legacy is not just a reflection of his accomplishments, but also a beacon of hope and inspiration that will guide future generations as they continue the fight for equality and acceptance. Phil’s passion and dedication remind all of us the power of service, and his spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched.
Udi Cintron said, “I remember the first time I met Phil was at one of Lori’s lunch gatherings. I am filled with gratitude to have met him. He shared some life stories and listened to my questions. He did not brush me off. He shared his time in the service, how he helped build a road in Alaska, and the impact it had on him while not being openly out as a gay man. He took the time to talk to me while others were around, and I am deeply thankful for that. His time and attention, his genuine interest in our conversation, made a profound impact on me. He was a phenomenal man, and he was loved.”
A celebration of life will take place in late Spring or early Summer in 2025, with details yet to be determined.
Hannema’s celebration of life will take place Friday, June 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3646 N. Halsted St., in the upstairs event space.