Ronald J. Powelson

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 January 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 the past 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 Sargeant 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, NM; 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 SSGT Curtis Powelson, and his son Ronald Powelson Jr. 

Graveside services with military honors will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Bruce Crossing, August 2, 2020, at  1pm.  A celebration of life BBQ will follow immediately after. Location to be determined.

Cane Funeral Home will be handling arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald J. Powelson, please visit our floral store.