Obituary: Rodney John Powell
Rodney John Powell, age 70 of Reedsburg, formerly of Sandusky, WI passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, March 3, 2025. Rod was born on June 10, 1954 to William and Miriam Powell. As Rod grew up on his family farm, so did his lifelong love for pretty much anything with an engine. Rod quickly was able to turn his love for machinery into his career.
First on the family farm, then doing custom work - chances are if you lived in Sauk or Richland counties in the 70’s you rode shotgun in a combine with Rod and probably have a story or two to tell about it. He later decided to hit the road in an 18-wheeler heading to the east coast. While Rod loved the open highway, he took great pride in the fact that he never took a semi west of the Mississippi.
Rod settled down with a family of his own on that same farm he was raised on in 1990. He worked the fields, milked cows, fixed machinery, helped neighbors, and always had a joke ready to lighten the mood. But most importantly he raised his kids there just as he was, teaching them the same values he held dear; Faith in God, hard work, being there for family, friends, and neighbors, and finding time to laugh even when there may only be want for tears.
After 10 years of farming and life changing Rod headed back east in the semi, where he would spend the next 19 years making over-the-road hauls to places most people wouldn’t want to drive a car. Rod managed an 18-wheeler with a 53-foot trailer with ease. During this time Rod juggled his family, friends, and life on the road. Again with a kind of grace you could only understand if you knew Rod, a sense of humor and quick wit that never failed to provide a laugh.
In June 2007 Rod met Nancy and quickly fell in love. By December 21, 2007 they were married and had started a new chapter together. Other than Rod’s east coast runs, they never left each other’s sides. In November of 2019, Rod decided to hang up his truck keys to the old Western Star and retire. In this time we all discovered that as much as Rod had enjoyed watching his own kids grow up, play sports, and pursue dreams - he loved watching his grandkids even more and retirement gave him a chance to do just that. His weeknights/ends again became filled with games, tournaments, gatherings, and definitely tractor pulls.
Rod’s love for his family and friends showed through everything that he did.
A love that may have only been rivaled by that of his love for his Green Bay Packers and Cat diesel engines.
Rod was soft as he was strong, patient as he was firm. And devoted and faithful to God, family, and friends until his last breath. His legacy will live on in everyone who was blessed enough to know him. And he will be remembered whenever you see black smoke rolling from a stack.
Rod was survived by his loving and devoted wife Nancy Powell. Four children: Marie (Willie) McCormick, Sandusky, WI; Rene (Tyler) Darpel, Highland Heights, KY; Joseph (Danielle) Powell, Sandusky, WI; Jeremy (Miranda) Powell, LaValle, WI.
2 Stepchildren: Chad (Jen) Thompson, Davie, FL; Corey (Lindsey) Thompson, Wausa, WI.
17 Grandchildren: Abbigayle (Hayden), Mollie, Bridget, Emma, Alex, Jordyn, Liam, Makahla, Rylee, Addison, Smith, Grey, Connor, Collin, Kai, Jace.
His brother and sisters: Doug (Karin) Powell, Wonewoc, WI; Cheryl (Steve) Husker, Reedsburg, WI; Susan (John) Husker, Watertown, WI; Christina Powell, Voila, WI.
And many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents: William and Miriam Powell, Paternal Grandparents: John and Gladys Powell, Maternal Grandparents: Rodney and Erma Janney, And close family friend: Ronald “Duffy” Schultz Rod’s family would like to also thank AGRACE Hospice Care for the exceptional care during this time. The support and kindness was unparalleled. You are all truly angels.
A Celebration of Rodney’s Life was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Bible Baptist Church in Reedsburg. Pastor Fred Weiss officiated with burial in the Sandusky Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Tuesday morning at Bible Baptist Church in Reedsburg from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bible Baptist Church in Reedsburg. The Clary Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com
