Obituaries
Jo Ann Bulow Poole
November 12, 1942 - April 4, 2021


- Funeral
- Private Memorial Service
-
Burial Location
Baker Memorial United Methodist Columbarium
Jo Ann Bulow Poole died April 3rd, 2021 after 78 years of life. She was born on November 12, 1942 in Geneva, Illinois. Her family soon moved to Kansas City, where she remained through college. Jo Ann graduated from high school as the valedictorian. She graduated with honors from William Jewell College and then received her Masters with honors from Florida State University. After graduation she was employed by Northern Illinois University to teach freshman English. Three years later Jo Ann decided to leave academia and seek a job in business. She was employed by Container Corporation of America in Carol Stream in the accounting area. There she met John who was to be her husband for over forty-four years of marriage. They traveled to Europe each summer for the first eight years of the marriage. On their 8th anniversary, John asked her if she wanted to start a family. After three miscarriages she quickly realized that age and luck were against them and began to investigate adoption. A year later Jordan arrived from Korea and a year after that Merritt arrived from the same country, both as Christmas presents. Upon Jordan’s arrival she was happy to change her life from working outside the home as a District Controller to being a full time mom. When Jordan was eight, he asked her if he could go to Sunday school. That question started her 25+ years of involvement with the Baker Church. Over the years she worked on most every committee the church offered. She loved the serenity of the Sunday service to clear her mind for the coming week’s activities. When her children reached middle school, Jo Ann started her own small business, providing services as an Office Manager for companies that did not require full time help. Her family and their well-being was the focus of most of her time. She never stopped thinking about how she could help her family as they matured
and left home. She was a great wife and partner with John who used her for support and help in all his decisions. Jo Ann is survived by her husband, John; her son, Jordan; her daughter, Merritt; granddaughter, Lainey and sister, Bev Childs.
John and Merritt Poole have asked that I send information regarding the Memorial in-lieu of flowers for JoAnn Poole.
They would like donations to be sent to:
Fox Valley Alumnae Club of Alpha Gamma Delta
c/o Tammy Riddiford, Treasurer
36W688 Stoneleat Rd.
St. Charles, IL 60175
Alpha Gamma Delta’s philanthropic focus is fighting hunger. Our Club is a 501(c)3 and will be donating 100% of the monies in JoAnn’s memory to “Save the Children” www.savethechildren.org.
JoAnn’s contribution to the Club is invaluable, her legacy lives on through her amazing daughter and fellow “sister”, Merritt.
Condolences
Jennifer comperda from St Charles , IL
"I will miss seeing JoAnn and her beautiful ocean blue eyes with such warmth, wisdom and sincerity behind them. We are better off for knowing her -we shared some goods times and I’ll cherish those memories."
Karen Parrin from Edina, MN
"Dear John, Jordan. Merritt and Lainey, I can’t stop thinking of you all since I heard JoAnn died. She was a big part of my growing up and had a very special relationship with my family. She reached out often and would frequently have us for wonderful dinners. She was smart and quite accomplished and very kind to us. All my love to you during this difficult time. Love, Karen Parrin"
Sylvia Hardin from Las Vegas, NV
"I have so many memories of Jo Ann as a child. Grandma Bulow’s attic was the stage for many acted out soap opera-type dramas by Jo Ann, my sister Marje and me. We had so much fun! I didn’t see her often as an adult, though. I’m sorry to have pretty much missed out on those years. The annual Poole Christmas letter kept me informed about the family’s doings. I know she had a happy life. God rest her soul."
Roger Adelman from Villa Hills, KY
"I knew Jo Ann for the five years that she shone at Southeast High School in Kansas City. We were in many of the same classes, and she was always at the top of the class. I thank you for telling those of us who knew her then that she continued to live with class at the top of a fulfilled and meaningful life."