Marjorie Jean Poulson

Marjorie Jean Poulson, 89, of Palmyra, WI passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at UW-Madison Hospital in Madison, WI.

Jean was born on June 26, 1933 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Paul and Elizabeth “Betty” (Spencer) Badger. Jean grew up in the Chicagoland area and after her schooling married Richard Dernell. Jean moved to Wisconsin with her family in the mid 1960’s and spent time in the Madison area before settling in Eagle. Upon moving to Eagle, she became a member of Palmyra United Methodist Church and would remain a very active and supportive member for the rest of her life. Jean lived her faith and served the Lord in her local church and on the mission field both domestically and abroad. Service to others was a large part of her life and she was a great example of Christian love in this way. Besides her work on the mission field and her local church, Jean supported NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and donated her time and talents as a Den-Mother and Girl Scout Leader. On August 3, 2004, Jean was united in marriage to the love of her life, Howard “Dan” Poulson and the two would go on to enjoy 16 years of marriage together until Dan’s passing in July of 2021. Jean and Dan loved each other deeply and made a great team. For many years Dan and Jean taught Sunday School and delighted to see God through the eyes of these children. With a houseful of 6 young children, Jean worked as a teacher’s aid for children with special needs, while she honed her culinary skills. Later Jean worked for many years as the Food Service Director at Old World Wisconsin, but the majority of her career was dedicated to creating unique menus for the visitors of the YMCA Camp Edwards in East Troy, from where she retired.

Jean lived her life gracefully. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, always facing life’s ups and downs with a smile on her face and a kind attitude. She was loving, inclusive, passionate, and supportive. Jean’s love language was food. She made delicious and elaborate meals for her family and guests regularly.  You could not leave her home without her sending a loaf of bread or pie along with you. She also loved getting the family together for family gatherings and parties. She was at her best and most content when surrounded by the chaos of her huge family. For leisure, Jean enjoyed rooting for the Brewers, working with and supporting Dan in his many capacities in the Agriculture Industry, and tending her garden. She also just loved being home with Dan on the farm. Jean was very proud of all her grandchildren and they brought tremendous joy to her life and each one held a special place in her heart. Jean was a true lady and she will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her loving children,  Cheryl Dernell, Cynthia Rogers, Richard Dernell, Scott  Dernell, Debbie (Doug) Blaeske, Blane (Kelly) Poulson, Darren (Chris) Poulson, and Kyle (Bonnie) Poulson; her dear grandchildren, Ashley, Michael, Jeremy, Joshua, Connor, Rishona, Jesse, Ivy, Trevor, Tyler, Megan, Ileia, Chandler, Madison, Erika, Taylor, Ty, Travis, and Carson; and her great-grandchildren, Hadley, Greylin, Lucy, Devin, Cameron, Maddox, Neeva, Ayotzin, Beni, Lila, Athena, Hadley, Kenzie, Rilynn, Lilyana and Zane. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, her siblings, her loving husband, Dan, her dear daughter, Linda, and her beautiful granddaughter, Emily.

Memorials in Jean’s honor may be made the Palmyra United Methodist Church, NAMI, or The Clearing Folk School to further environmental education.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Palmyra United Methodist Church (122 N. 5th Street, Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 10:00AM until the time of service at the church.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marjorie Jean Poulson, please visit our floral store.