David William Poulson passed away on June 29, 2022, at the age of 83 in Galesburg, Illinois. Dave was born on September 28th, 1938, in Warren County, Illinois to Minnie Ellen Brown and George William Cornelius Poulson. The ninth eldest and youngest of three boys of Minnie and George’s 15 children, Dave was a farm boy who spent much of his childhood doing farm chores and (lovingly) teasing his 12 sisters. He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1955 at the age of 16.
At age 17, Dave enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. He was just 5’8” and 140 lbs. when he enlisted but returned home from basic training a strong and muscular 6 feet tall—so unrecognizable that his sisters didn’t know it was him in the driveway until their mother said, “girls, that’s your brother David!”
He served honorably in the Marines from 1957-1960, spending time stationed in Honolulu, San Diego, Japan, and Philadelphia and would proudly wear his Retired U. S. Marine Corp hat everywhere he went. While working in Philadelphia as a recruiter for the Marines, he met the lovely Jeanette Mae Tray.
The story goes that when Dave saw Jean across the room, it took him some time to muster up the courage to sit next to her, but when he did, he told her that he wouldn’t leave until she gave him her number. She laughingly obliged and it was the beginning of a beautiful love story. The two were married on August 20, 1960, and later moved back to Dave’s family farm in Galesburg, IL.
Dave and Jean were the loving parents of four wonderful children, Lorean June, David William II, Mark Philip, and Lynda Jeanne. With a stop in Madison along the way, the family eventually settled in Green Bay, WI where they would live for the next fifteen years.
Dave had a knack for helping people and was as a natural car salesman at Van Boxtel Ford, where he worked as the new car sales manager and parts manager. He worked very hard to provide for his family, working Monday through Saturday including a few nights each week, but he always made sure to have Sunday off. His family looks back lovingly on those Sundays, days that have filled their hearts with memories of mini-golfing, county fairs, bowling and minor league baseball games.
Dave and Jean eventually returned to Galesburg, Illinois where they would reside permanently. In Galesburg, Jean was a loving homemaker and Dave sold cars for Weaver Buick and later Yemm until his retirement.
They were the epitome of loving grandparents, always being the first to wish a happy birthday, graduation, or anniversary, celebrating each milestone with a sweet card.
Dave had a fierce competitive spirit and hated to lose – especially playing cards. Every day, he enjoyed completing even the most challenging of crossword puzzle. He also was a voracious reader, so much so that a special bookcase was made for the basement of their Green Bay home to accommodate his many western paperbacks.
Their time spent in Green Bay also allowed David to indulge in another of his favorite pastimes—the Green Bay Packers. He was a loyal fan and proud shareholder of the green and gold. Baseball was another way to Dave’s heart. An avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, if they had a game, you knew he’d be tuning in.
Dave was a follower of Christ, bringing comfort to his loved ones to know that he is now in heaven. The last few years of their lives, Dave lovingly took care of Jean as she battled many illnesses. He tracked her vitals daily, took her to the many doctor appointments and managed her pill regimen. He always made sure that she had everything she needed. He died 36 hours before her passing so that he could guide her way to heaven.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Minnie, Irene, Anna, Dot, Sonny, Rose, Phil, Marge, and Sharon, and his granddaughter Heather Ann Diefendorf. He is survived by his children, Lori (Dave), David (Kaia), Mark, and Lynda (Jim); his grandchildren, Stacy, Danny, Ginger, Erin, Meg, Liz, Kate, and Conor; and his three great-grandchildren, Lilly, Sammy, and Jett (with one more on the way!)
Dave’s senior quote was “Think a little kindly of me,” something we will all surely do. When we watch the Packers or read a great book, when we hear the crack of the bat as a homerun is a hit or we try our hand at a crossword puzzle, and when we stumble across one of the many birthday cards we’ve received from him…we’ll think of him lovingly and smile.
Dave and Jean’s combined visitation will be August 12th, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Watson Thomas Funeral Home, 1849 North Seminary Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. The joint funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on August 13, 2022 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online condolences may be made through www.watsonthomas.com.
