Russell McCray Powers

Russell McCray Powers, Jr., 82, of Dannebrog, died unexpectedly at his home on May 1, 2025.

A Celebration of Russell’s life will be held at 4 PM on May 17th, 2025 at the Fire and Rescue Station in Dannebrog. Inurnment will be in the Oakridge Cemetery in Dannebrog on May 18th at 2:30 PM. All are welcome to attend. Memorials are suggested to the Dannebrog/Boelus Fire and Rescue or the family of Russ Powers.

Russ was born on January 25, 1943, in Monrovia, California to Russell, Sr. and Opal (Olmsted). He graduated from Dannebrog High School in 1961. He served in the United States Navy, entering on Nov. 10, 1964, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 6, 1968. He was united in marriage to Shari (Kister) Powers on March 18, 2020.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Ford and partner in “alleged crime” Jerry Winget (no charges were ever made).

Russell was also known as: Father to Brian (Tammy) Powers, Tony Powers, Amanda Ryan, and Mat Kister. Brother to Josie Ford, Don Olmsted, Marlene Powers Snyder, and Judy Leahy. Uncle to Alex (Karen) Ford, Mike (Anne) Ford, Todd (Becky) Ford, Travis (Deon) Ford, Matt (Becky) Ford, Roseanne Olmsted, and Jason Olmsted. Maytag to those in his life that referred to him as an ”agitator”. Pussgut to his oldest friends that he played softball and fished with. Coach to the many girls he coached in softball. Shipmate to those he served with in Vietnam during his time with the U.S Navy, including Bob Hoffman. Chee Chee to those who knew him when was at the golf course. “Fast” to those who were unlucky enough to foot race him on main street. But his favorite name was Grandpa, to Brittany Powers, Justin “Spencer” Powers, Jacob Stermer, Tyler Stermer, Brianna “Sweet Pea” Sager, Parker Jantze, Elijah Anderson, and Silas Anderson. Russ was also Grandpa to many other kids, including those at Grace Christian School, friends of grandkids, kids with the last name of Winget, Wilson, Greenwald, Grim, Evans, Berger, Seldon, and many others not named here that he would tease, harass, or pick on as a great grandpa would.

Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway.com.