Russell “Russ” Lee Powell
On October 5, 2020, Russell (Russ) Lee Powell, loving husband and devoted father of four children, passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 72 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Russ was born to Ray and Beulah (Smestad) Powell on August 6, 1948 in Slayton, MN. He attended Slayton High School and graduated with the class of 1966. He met the love of his life, Lynda Voss, in high school, and they were married on May 25, 1968. He attended Mankato Vo-Tech School, and shortly after graduating they moved to Minnesota Lake where he worked as a draftsman for Wells Concrete, Inc. and Nordaas American Homes. He then started his own construction company and built many homes in southern Minnesota before returning to Wells Concrete where he worked for many years as a draftsman and ultimately in sales until his retirement in 2015.
Russ and Lynda lived in Minnesota Lake for over 30 years raising their children. Russ, a skilled carpenter who often could be found building or fixing something in his workshop, then welcomed the opportunity to build his own home on Tetonka Lake in Waterville, MN. They lived there for 10 years before retiring to a new lake home that Russ helped build on Sibley Lake in Pequot Lakes, MN.
Russ was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds in league play and with his family, friends and for business. He was lucky enough to have two hole-in-ones and in his retirement, he found his dream job of mowing the golf courses at The Pines in Nisswa. He only wished he could have done it for longer. Russ loved to travel, particularly road trips with Lynda, to visit family and friends throughout the country. They traveled throughout the United States visiting national parks enjoying the scenery and stopping at many major (and sometimes minor) tourist attractions along the way. Russ also enjoyed ice fishing, coaching/watching sports, finishing every meal with dessert, and many boat rides and happy hours over the years with his family and friends.
He will be missed by Lynda, his wife of 52 years, children, Michelle (Randy) Strobel, Chanhassen, MN; James (Kelli Jordan) Powell, Eden Prairie, MN; Shannon (Tony Trout) Powell of Plymouth, MN and Cherene (Casey) Powell Crable, Traverse City, MI and grandsons, Nathan and Adam Strobel. Mother, Beulah Powell, Hudson, WI; Brother Brad (Sharon) Powell, West Union, SC; Sisters, Karen Powell, Omaha, NE and Nancy (Jim) Phipps, River Falls, WI; brothers-in-law, Daryl (Gerry) Voss, Vern (Donna) Voss, and Jack (Darlene) Voss; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Hilda Voss.
Russ donated his body to the University of Minnesota. Graveside services and a celebration of life gathering will be held at a future date. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton, MN is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com