William Poleson Obituary

Poleson
William Wiley
Poleson
May 7, 1944
January 31, 2026

William Wiley Poleson, 81, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at MacKenzie Place, where he received exceptional care from the staff and the compassionate team at Abode Hospice. A kind and warm man with a wonderful sense of humor, Bill was known for his honesty, loyalty, and his remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel better.
Bill was born on May 7, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wiley Claremont and Carol Jean Poleson. After nearly a decade of hoping for a child, his parents welcomed him as their miracle baby — a long-awaited blessing deeply cherished from the start. He grew up in a loving home rooted in faith and community, spending Sundays at South-Broadland Presbyterian Church, founded by his parents and others.
An athlete at heart, Bill was proud to be a member of the state championship football team at South East High School in Kansas City. He later attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics. As a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, he formed lifelong friendships and collected stories he would retell with laughter for years to come. It was there that he met the love of his life, Connie. They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage built on partnership, devotion, and joy.
Bill and Connie were a remarkable pair, especially on the dance floor. He was a fantastic dancer, and together they lit up rooms with the Kansas City swing, bringing energy and smiles wherever they went.
In 1968, Bill began his career as a pharmaceutical representative for Marion Laboratories, which brought him to Colorado Springs. He also served in the Army National Guard in both Kansas and Colorado. In 1971, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded Mountain America, Inc., developing mountain properties that allowed families to enjoy the beauty of Colorado. Fishing, hunting, and time in the mountains were among his greatest passions. He often said it was a dream come true to be paid to enjoy the outdoors he loved so much.
In 1976, Connie joined him in the business, and together they became a dynamic team as partners in work and in life. Their home was warm and welcoming, and many of their daughter Missy's friends credit time spent with Bill and Connie as influential in their own lives.
Bill especially treasured time with his daughter, Melissa (Missy) Burkett; his son-in-law, Khale Burkett; and his grandchildren, Wiley, Ellie, and Thomas Burkett. He loved fishing and hunting with them, sharing stories, laughter, and his deep appreciation for the Colorado outdoors. He also taught all the kids to fish at South Padre Island and to body surf in the ocean, sharing both his love for adventure and his patience as a teacher.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Connie.
Bill's loyalty was steadfast, his integrity unwavering, and his kindness genuine. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, faith, love, and the enduring beauty of a life well lived.
A memorial service will be held on March 6, 11:00 AM, at Pauline Memorial Chapel.