John Pouleson Obituary

John Pouleson
Born: January 4, 1940 in Reading, PA
Died: March 26, 2025 in Downers Grove
John Lewis Pouleson of Downers Grove, Illinois, passed away on March 26, 2025. He had a larger-than-life presence, traveling the world along with his wife Joan, experiencing adventures most only dream of. His loving family included 4 children, 9 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Born on January 4, 1940, in Reading, PA, to H. Robert and Anne Pouleson, he shared a wonderful childhood with his brother Bob. He attended Central Catholic High School, and graduated from St. Francis College in Loretto, PA. Upon graduation, John worked for 3M as a regional salesman. In 1970, John became an entrepreneur when he helped launch SWIB ("Say It With Buttons"), a personalized gifts and novelties manufacturing company based in Lisle, Illinois, with factories in Taiwan.
John was passionate about the outdoors. He explored six of the seven continents on hunting and fishing expeditions, trekking to the Arctic Circle, venturing through 10 countries in Africa, and journeying to Australia, Tajikistan, Argentina, and all 50 U.S. states.
John embodied generosity and warmth, easily turning strangers into friends. He will be fondly remembered for his signature "Johnisms"-his unique turns of phrase-along with his mischievous spirit and infectious sense of humor.
Beloved husband of Joan Pouleson (nee Essig); loving father of Glenn (Mary Lohmar) Pouleson, Joanne (Terry) Small, Brad (Ritu Jain) Pouleson and Nadine (Brett) Baarstad; cherished grandfather of Sabrina (Pat) Egan, Royce (Kathy) Pouleson, Nicole (Kevin) Mahoney, Kelly (Jordan) Lawhead, Taryn (Kyle) Walden, Jonah Pouleson, Britta Baarstad, Nelson Baarstad and Kiera Baarstad; proud great-grandfather of Jack Mahoney, Kate Mahoney, Anne Mahoney, William Walden, Poppy Walden and Amos Lawhead; dear brother of the late Robert (Margaret surviving) Pouleson.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 3rd at The Drake Oakbrook, 2301 York Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523. The service will begin at 11am.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Shriners Children's Chicago Office of Philanthropy, 2211 N Oak Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60707 OR Safari Club International Illinois & Chicago Chapter, 38864 N Fairfield Rd. Lake Villa, IL 60046-8622