John A. Poland

John A. Poland, 100, formerly of Robinson IL, died on Saturday, June 15, 2019 in Albuquerque, NM. He was born on September 12, 1918 in Chauncey, IL; the son of John Zebede Poland & Leonora (Albert) Poland; both of whom preceded him in death. He married Katherine Schoffstall on October 18, 1937 and she preceded him in death on June 6, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his son, John Irwin Poland in 1968; by his sister, Mary Amanda Poland-Skaggs; and by his brother, Charles Edwin Poland. He is survived by his grandchildren & spouses, John M. & Amy Poland (Albuquerque, NM), and Jamie & Gerald Garcia (Albuquerque, NM); by 6 great-grandchildren, Tiara & Dean Dominquez, Stephanie & Dan Ayers, Brittani & Alex Houston, Drew & Marissa Poland, Haley Birkhauser, and Caleb Birkhauser; by 3 great-great grandchildren, Brooklynn, Blake, and Kensington; by his daughter-in-law, Maureen Frye; as well as many nieces and nephews. John grew up in Chauncey, where his father ran the Poland Store. After his father’s death, he continued to operate his father’s store in Robinson. Upon graduating from Bridgeport High School, he went on to complete an apprenticeship with the Chrysler Corporation in Evansville and Chicago, becoming a tool and die-maker in the process. Before too long, he answered his country’s call, serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Upon his discharge as a TMV 2c Aerial Torpedoman 2nd Officer, he and Katherine built a home in Robinson, where they contracted and built 6 other homes locally. However, John wanted to make use of his learned trade, so they moved to Terre Haute, IN, where he worked for Allis-Chalmers Corp, an aircraft engine plant, where he was selected to be the foreman of the tool and die department. He would eventually move on to J.I. Case, where he advanced to the position of Chief Tool Engineer and developed relationships with a loyal group of employees whom he considered family. Anyone who knew John could attest to the man’s work ethic. His ethos was to do the best he could in all things. This was, of course, evident in his professional life, but was also on full display in his personal life as well. He was a dedicated and loving husband to Katherine, in whom he found a constant source of strength and support throughout their nearly 72 years of marriage. This same love and care was extended to their only son, as well as each generation of grandchildren he had the joy to know. Though he loved his family with abandon, his heart belonged to Christ. A man of faith, he didn’t just go to church once a week, but lived a life that gave the world a picture of Jesus day-in and day-out. We know that the faith he held onto for so long has finally been rewarded, and on that Saturday, John heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28th at the funeral home with his grandson, John M. Poland and Rev. Jay Regennitter officiating. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to the Robinson First United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.