Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
ONTONAGON, Mich. - Ronald Jay Powelson, age 75, of Ontonagon, Michigan, passed away at his home on June 16, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on Jan. 15, 1945, to Donald and Faye (Davis) Powelson. He graduated from Ontonagon High School in 1963. He then entered the U.S. Army where he proudly serviced his country during the Vietnam War. Following his enlistment in the U.S. Army, he worked for the Ontonagon Sheriffs Department serving as county deputy. Soon after he became village police chief. He was a post commander of VFW Post 5600 in Ontonagon, Michigan. He spent most of his life working in law enforcement. He retired from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, as a sergeant with their protective services.
Ronald enjoyed fishing especially catching salmon on the Big Iron. He was a faithful, lifelong Detroit Lions fan. Some of his other loves include cars (Ford), traveling, and being in the outdoors. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and his dog Duke.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Diane, of 45 years. He was the father of Bobby (Donna) Powelson of Ontonagon; Julie (Gilbert) Vigil of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Kevin (Ashley) Powelson of Helendale, California. He was the favorite brother of Glenda Orr of Bakersfield, California and Colleen Kossman (Geo) of White Pine, Michigan. He was the grandfather to Douglas (Brittany) Powelson, Alyssa (Tony) Elmblad, Kimberly (Jesse) Johnson, ShayLyn Morales, Zachary and Nathan Powelson, and Michael Powelson. He was the great grandfather to Penelope, Eleanor, Emma, Mia and Ryker.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Faye (Davis) Powelson, his sister Penny Powelson, his son Staff Sgt. Curtis Powelson, and his son Ronald Powelson Jr.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Bruce Crossing, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. A celebration of life BBQ will follow immediately after. Location to be determined.
Cane Funeral Home will be handling arrangements.
