John F. Regan

John F. Regan, 66, of Woodstock, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 15, 2026. A Palatine, Illinois native, John graduated from Palatine High School before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Illinois University in 2003, and a Master of Fine Arts, also from Northern Illinois University in May 2006.

John was the owner and principal designer of Twisted Stem Floral in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he built a devoted following over more than four decades in the floral industry. Established in 2010, Twisted Stem was proudly unlike any other flower shop. John sourced extraordinary blooms, botanicals and other organic materials from around the world, designing with a Flemish-inspired sensibility and a modern edge that he called "Edgy and Elegant." His vibrant and dramatic arrangements were singular works of art born out of his bold creative instinct, and an unerring eye for texture and color.

John's talent earned him widespread recognition. He was voted Best Floral and Bridal Shop in McHenry County for 15 consecutive years, named Illinois Designer of the Year, and won the national Florists' Review "Best in Blooms" competition in 2022. His work was featured in Florists' Review, and he served as a national floral trend consultant.

Though floral design was his primary medium, John was a gifted artist across many disciplines. Whatever he turned his hands to, he brought the same rigor, curiosity, and artistry that defined his professional work. John also enjoyed breeding and growing African violets, a pursuit that led him to become very active in the Northern Illinois Gesneriad Society.

John gave back quietly and generously. He regularly dropped off arrangements at local nonprofits and left surprise bouquets for unsuspecting neighbors and strangers. He donated proceeds from his handcrafted buttons to Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoption Center and was a longtime advocate for LGBTQ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. At home, John was happiest in the company of his beloved English bulldog, Kozo.

John is survived by his sister Barbara (Regan) Pokorny of East Haddam, Connecticut, his brother Michael Regan and wife Karen of The Villages, Florida, his nieces Kathleen Slade and her husband John, and Diane Pokorny Wilson and her husband Jim and his nephew John Pokorny and his wife Marla. He is also survived by 10 grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Regan Drake and her husband Don of Woodstock, Illinois, his brother in law John Pokorny of Niantic, Connecticut and by his parents, Mary Louise (Cahill) Regan and Francis A. Regan of Palatine, Illinois.

John will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and clients. Donations in his memory may be made to the Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoption Center, 4301 S. IL Route 47 Woodstock, IL 60098.