Obituaries

Ronald A. Powers

March 28, 1935 to August 8, 2024

WINAMAC - Ronald Arthur Powers, 89, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8.

He was born March 28, 1935 to Albert and Hazel (Zellers) Powers. He was the 10^thof 11 children who were raised in Pulaski County. He attended Catholic grade school and often recalled being one of the only boys in his grade. He graduated high school in 1951 and continued work on the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 where he served in France until 1960.

Ron Powers

Prior to being drafted, he had been visiting with his good friend Joe Wegner, and it was on a summer day in 1957 that he met the love of his life, Joe’s cousin Judith (Wegner). After four years of dating (two long distance while he was overseas in the army), they were married June 25, 1960 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Chicago. Together they raised six children, enjoyed spending time with their so-loved grandchildren and were fortunate enough to celebrate 51 years of marriage before Judy’s passing in 2011.

He was well-known, involved and respected in his community. He was proud of his work with the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and implemented the successful Bingo program. He believed in supporting local businesses and undoubtedly enjoyed his fair share of Dairy Queen! He spent many, many years helping with the Pulaski County 4–H Fair, served as a member of the Pulaski County Council for two terms and sponsored endless Denham Agri-Center baseball and softball teams in North Judson through the years. But he never lived his life for the accolades or recognition. In fact, it was always quite the opposite. He was known for his quiet, but kind demeanor and good heart. He always looked for the good in everyone and was intentional in treating everyone with fairness.

Faith, family and farming were what brought Mr. Powers the most joy in his life. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church through adulthood and enjoyed Notre Dame Mass on television during Covid. Raising their children as North Judson Bluejays, and then watching a few of their grandchildren go through the same school system years later, Ron and Judy spent countless hours at Liberty Field for football games and track meets, the gym for endless basketball and volleyball games and cheerleading sessions, games at the softball and baseball diamonds and finally cheering on their swimmers at the North Judson pool. They were avid Bluejay supporters to say the least.

His life as a farmer, trucker and owner in the grain and fertilizer business defined him as a man. Since the age of at least 9 or 10, from what he could recall, he has always strived to be a hardworking, honest and good person. His legacy will definitely live on through all of the lives he touched in so many generations of families in his community and neighboring communities who had the pleasure of working beside and knowing him through the years. Friends of his through his lifetime have often shared they will remain inspired by his work ethic and his determination, as well as his encouragement to others to always work toward being a good person. His life was a testament to what practicing good faith and being honest is all about.

Mr. Powers shared his peace in his thoughts of reuniting with his wife Judy, daughter, Sharon and son, Steve, his granddaughters Ashlyn and Alyssa, as well as his siblings and parents and in-laws who passed before him.

There will be no services at his request, however it would be appreciated if notes/cards recalling special memories of Ron could be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sent to Ron Powers Family, 205 Main St., PO Box 123, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online tributes may also be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Gregory L. Podell

May 25, 1955 to August 3, 2024

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Gregory “Greg” Lee Podell, 69, of Myrtle Beach, SC (formerly of Winamac) passed away Saturday, Aug. 3.

He was born May 25, 1955, in Logansport, to Robert M. Sr. and Anna M. Podell. He was a member of the Winamac Community High School graduating class of 1973 before attending Purdue University. While at Purdue, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1977. He married Betty M. Smith on Aug. 14, 1981, in Winamac, where they began their lives together and started a family. She survives.

Greg Podell

He is also survived by brothers Robert M. (Mollie) Podell Jr. and Douglas J. (Cheryl) Podell; sons Brian Housinger and Kyle (Isabella) Podell; daughter Emily (Andrew) Kruger; and seven grandchildren Shelby (Luke) Thomas, Sydney Housinger, Deegan Podell, Kinsley Podell, Harper Kruger, Oliver Kruger and Calliope Speedy; and great-grandson Forest Cash.

Most of Mr. Podell’s professional career was spent in the waste and recycling equipment industry, starting with Galbreath, Inc. in Winamac. He went on to hold various leadership and executive positions in the industry with Wastequip, EZ Pack and Wastebuilt. Most recently he was a founding partner of Parts Express USA. He was also a member of the Detachable Container Association (DCA) where he built many personal and professional relationships over the years. He was a member of the John Purdue Club and an avid supporter of Purdue athletics, especially football and basketball. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially while playing golf, traveling, camping, and many family trips to Disney World.

A celebration of life will event will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at Greg Norman's in Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, SC.

Memorial donations may be made to the Purdue University Institute of Cancer Research and/or the Cheryl Lyn Welter Charitable Foundation at the links below.

All donations made to the Purdue University Institute of Cancer research will go to the Jordan-Rieger Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research Endowment and will be used for advancements in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
https://connect.purdue.edu/InHonorOfGregPodell

The Cheryl Lyn Welter Charitable Foundation provides resources to help underprivileged students in rural Indiana schools. The foundation was established by Harold and Becky Welter, who are friends of Greg and Betty, in memory of their daughter who died while in high school.
http://www.cherylskidsfund.org/ or text CHERYL to 71777

Arrangements have been entrusted to McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory, Myrtle Beach, SC.