Obituaries

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^th of 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.