John D. Povlick

obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

John Daniel
Povlick

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH , 12300 W Janesville Road, from 4:00 PM until the time of service at 7:00 PM. Private family burial at Arlington Park Cemetery.

John D. Povlick 

Ironically enough, one of John’s favorite rituals on a Sunday morning before church was reading obituaries while enjoying his cup of coffee. As such we will try to do this one justice!

Our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, brother in law, son, uncle and friend has gone on to spend eternity in Heaven, embraced by Jesus, his Savior.

John found his greatest joy in the people he loved, especially his wife of 40 years, Kim; his three children, Chelsey (Mike) Varga, Adam (Jamie), and Carly; his seven grandchildren, Liam, Griffin, Ellery, Cambria, Reagan, Colson, and Audrey; and, of course, his faithful golden retriever, Clancy.

John and Kim celebrated 40 years of marriage at their wedding reception venue, Alioto’s, in November with their best man and maid of honor. They laughed endlessly, particularly when John rode the chair lift up the stairs with his best man, Jay on his lap.

Anyone who knew John knew he was candid, authentic, and never left anyone wondering where he stood (Read: no filter). Yet his warmth and humor allowed him to make friends wherever he went. Whether you had known him for years or just met him because you left some junk at the end of your driveway that piqued his interest, John had a way of making you feel like an old friend.

You might be surprised to know that he loved doing handstands in any pool for the “judges”, but he did. And they were good. John loved a good deal, even if he didn’t need it and eventually gave it away. Everything was “almost brand new” as he planned how to get it up and running. Once he started fixing it up, there was a pretty good chance you’d hear a few choice words along the way.

John carried on the family legacy alongside his brother, Jim, running Povlick Incorporated. The 90-year-old business was started by their grandfather, Frank. John was especially proud to work alongside his son, Adam.

John was born 7/1/1957 to Audrey & Daniel Povlick. “Johnny Boom Boom” is further survived by siblings Katie (Alan), Paul (Mary), and Jim (Tracey), brothers-in-law Glenn and Mark (Sue), and many adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hales Corners Lutheran Church, St. Vincent de Paul, or Goodwill are appreciated if so desired.

 

23 Comments

  1. Tom & Judy Berg September 18, 2026 at 10:25 am - Reply

    Our condolences. We didn’t see John often, but whenever we did he greeted us enthusiastically and warmly. John had a special charm we could use more of in this world. He will be sorely missed.

  2. Holly Corso- Fons September 18, 2026 at 10:37 am - Reply

    Kim,
    What a beautiful tribute to your husband John. You can feel his personality and the love he had for his family in every word. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you Kim, the kids, grandkids, and the entire Povlick family and sending so much love and hugs. your way.

    Sincerely,
    Holly Corso- Fons

  3. Tom Utech September 18, 2026 at 11:48 am - Reply

    Dear Kim & Family…..

    Ever since John & I were able to converse, he was a force of nature in my book. Not until just now did I realize John was born the same month & year that my family moved to Hales Corners when I was just 10. As cousins, we grew up as close friends & participated in so many family get-togethers. Those Povlick family times we mutually attended will always remain as cherished memories for me……especially the summer outings @ Lake Waubeesee. John’s personal concern for the welfare of my family was to his immense credit, particularly at the time of the passing of my dear late mother. My family will forever hold John’s intercedence as tender memory in our hearts. Over the years John & Jim’s concern on my behalf have meant the world to me! I am eternally blessed with John being my beloved cousin & I sincerely mourn his loss to Kim & her family. It is proper that I include my undying love for John’s dear late father Dan. It was my Uncle Dan’s example as a United States Marine to become a Marine like him. May John with his mother & father now rest together in peace with Our Blessed Lord & Savior.

  4. Steve Longstaff September 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm - Reply

    I was just his little brother’s friend ,but he always made me feel like I was also his friend. It is a rare gift he possessed. There aren’t enough men in this world like John and now there is one less. So sorry for your loss.

  5. Douglas Laurin September 18, 2026 at 4:19 pm - Reply

    S0rry for your loss we went to high school together

  6. Justin Thelen September 18, 2026 at 4:44 pm - Reply

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember going to their house when I was young to hang out with Adam. I always thought John was one of the coolest dads around. He always made me feel welcome in his home. He’s left behind an incredible legacy that his family will carry on.

  7. Scott Metzger September 18, 2026 at 5:13 pm - Reply

    The Lord be with you all at this time of sorrow for your family. I was fortunate enough to be in the same graduating class as John at Martin Luther. As a result I have memories of football and shenanigans from our HS days. I was blessed to see John at our recent 50th class reunion as we shared a memory or two over a cocktail. God Bless you John and your family and friends also.

  8. Lisa Macht September 18, 2026 at 10:07 pm - Reply

    My daughter, Emily, was college roommates with Chelsey. We were lucky to get to meet John and Kim at graduation. Even though our acquaintance was brief, John’s warm personality shone brightly.. We’ll keep you in our hearts and prayers
    Love, Bob & Lisa

  9. Wendy & Sal Randazzo September 19, 2026 at 8:18 am - Reply

    Dear Kim and Family, We laughed reading John’s obit! Thank you for that! We have many fun memories of John in fine form while we ’round robined’. celebrating the holidays. We’re lucky to have known John… God rest his soul.

  10. Frank & Liz McKeown September 19, 2026 at 9:33 am - Reply

    Dearest Povlick family
    We were gutted to hear of John’s passing this week. What a great loss to you all as we knew and loved John now for 40 years when he came to Ireland for his honeymoon with our cousin Kim.
    We also knew of his great hospitality when we stayed at your house and had a wonderful holiday with you all.
    God in His wisdom had taken John from you and we both know He will remind you often of the terrific man John was. What a blessing he was to us all in Ireland He was funny and kind and so in love with Kim
    Words would not be enough to extend our sympathy to you.
    But Gods word reminds us

    That : The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.””
    ‭‭Job‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
    https://bible.com/bible/111/job.1.21.NIV
    With love
    Frank and Liz
    07590565496. Please text your mobile number

  11. Ann Cloyd, Carol Povlick Bess Cloyd September 19, 2026 at 9:45 am - Reply

    Our most sincere condolences to Kim, Chelsey, Carly, Adam, spouses and John’s dearly loved grandchildren. There are no words to express the loss of a genuine one-of-a-kind man, a Christian and family-focused man who walked the walk in kindness, caring and sharing. Carol and all my family will be forever in his debt for the love, time and efforts that he, Jim and Adam have afforded us. Since he was born he has been an ornery, funny cousin full of shenanigans as well as thoughtfulness.. He often frustrated and amused my Dad but in a respectful manner. I could go on and on but wish to express my thanks and praise for John allowing me to join him, Kim and family in worship at Hales Corners the past number of years, for his attention to Carol’s needs, and for being a truly family-centered cousin.

  12. Janet & Trevor Smith September 19, 2026 at 12:20 pm - Reply

    Kim & family. So sorry to hear of your loss. We may be many miles away in N Ireland but you are all close to our hearts at this sad time. We have happy memories of Kim & John coming over on their honeymoon and we had a day away to Newcastle with your family on the Boyd side. John was so lovely and we knew then that you would both have a very happy life together. We know your hearts are breaking but how wonderful to have the assurance that we as children of God will meet again in Glory. Much love to you and your extended family & friends. God Bless xx

  13. Greg and Sue Reiss September 19, 2026 at 9:47 pm - Reply

    John what a treasure you have been in our lives. Our most sincere and loving condolences to Kim, Chelsey, Adam and Carly in the devastating loss condolences your husband and dad. Greg and John great up together and he was greatly loved by both of us, so many memories we have with me and Kim . So very sorry for your loss . We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers,

  14. Jill I Craig Borgardt September 20, 2026 at 2:46 pm - Reply

    Condolences to Kim, Adam, and the rest of the family. We were shocked to hear of John’s passing at church today. John always warmly greeted us and would put his hand on Craig’s shoulder as he would pass him on his way up to communion. May God give you His peace and comfort at this sad and difficult time. Praying for all of you.

  15. Vivian Mittelstaedt September 20, 2026 at 10:52 pm - Reply

    Kim & family, I am Vivian Mittelstaedt, great friends with Alan & Katie. Sister of Judi. Our Christian sympathy to the entire Povick family. May our Loving Lord give you comfort & Peace . As Christians we know you will unite with John again . In the Cross of Christ, and His Resurrection we have Eternal Life.

    .

  16. Vivian Mittelstaedt September 20, 2026 at 10:55 pm - Reply

    Kim & family, I am Vivian Mittelstaedt, great friends with Alan & Katie. Sister of Judi. Our Christian sympathy to the entire Povick family. May our Loving Lord give you comfort & Peace . As Christians we know you will unite with John again . In the Cross of Christ, and His Resurrection we have Eternal Life.

    .

  17. Tommy, Roberta Irwin and family September 22, 2026 at 4:39 am - Reply

    Dearest Kim and family, we were so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of John. Although we never got to meet him we knew through all the FB posts what a fun loving and loving man he was. We still treasure the memories of the great time we had with you, Chelsey, Adam and Carly when you brought them over to Northern Ireland to see their Grandma’s home land❤️. Our love and prayers we send to you all at this time of mourning xx

  18. Dale and Nina Slowik September 22, 2026 at 12:42 pm - Reply

    Met John through his father-in-law, Earl Harr. At that time you knew he was a fantastic Husband, Dad, Son-in law, Brother-in-law & soon to be friend. Down the road, John did work for the Falk Corporation & was common for him to show up at my machine & talk to my lovely wife, Nina & I, during our lunch break. Afterwards, one could watch John operate his large equipment like a surgeon. I oftentimes thought he could peel a banana or filet a fish with his equipment. A Master at his trade. John died too young. The world is a better place because of John & Kim, a lovely couple. Their legacy will live on with their beautiful family.

  19. Kim Ivers & Family September 23, 2026 at 7:45 am - Reply

    With our kids attending HCLS & Martin Luther together we enjoyed years of fun & camaraderie knowing Johnny & Kimmy, as we liked to call them! I still remember first meeting John when we were new to HCLS as he was so warm & friendly. With our kids all grown, grandkids became the topic of discussion when we’d see one another at church. My boys always comment on how John greets them so enthusiastically whenever they see him. John was someone we all truly enjoyed “running into”! Our deepest sympathies go out to you, Kim, for the unexpected loss of your sweet husband. May you & your beautiful family be comforted in knowing John is in the arms of our loving Savior.

  20. Grace Martinson September 24, 2026 at 9:40 am - Reply

    Kim, I was so sad to hear to John’s passing and I’m so sorry for the loss of your love, partner, best friend and soul mate. I’m praying that God holds you and your family in His arms. John is with the angels..

  21. Matt Ivers September 25, 2026 at 9:58 am - Reply

    I am so sorry for your loss Povlick family. Continued prayers for all.

    John was one of the friendliest guys I have ever met. My family loved the Povlick’s and had some good laughs over the years – their kids included. John was a business owner, but a shirt off a back kind of guy. Always asked questions and cared. He lived life to the fullest and I know he will be smiling down on Kim and his family from Heaven. God Bless.

  22. Rochelle Voss September 25, 2026 at 10:48 am - Reply

    Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that God would comfort your heart and give you peace knowing that he is with the one who loves him most. Praying for your entire family.

  23. Kurt October 13, 2026 at 11:55 am - Reply

    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He always brought smiles to everyone and he brought them often! I’m grateful to have known him and always enjoyed talking with him. Condolences and peace to everyone in our family. Forever rest in peace, John.

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