FREDERICK J. POWELL SR.

Frederick J. “Ted” Powell, 102, of Cass City, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023 in Hills and Dales Healthcare, Cass City.  He was born May 17, 1921 in Greenleaf Township one of seven children born to Roy and Florence (Duffield) Powell.  He married Betty Cliff on October 23, 1948.        

 Fred attended Owendale High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942.  He served in the Second Armored Division, known as “Hell on Wheels” during World War II.  After landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, he crossed Europe in an anti-aircraft half-track.  Fred fought in the historic Battle of the Bulge and finished his wartime service in Berlin, Germany in 1945.  For his heroism and bravery, he was awarded a bronze star and a unique citation from the Belgian government.  Following his return home, Fred worked on the family dairy farm which he eventually purchased and continued working until retiring in 1988.  His hobbies were deer hunting, trapping, and fishing for walleye, pike, and perch.  Fred was a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan and listened to the games on the radio while doing chores in the barn.  He continued to maintain the farm after retirement but found time to enjoy gardening.  Fred was a voracious reader, he highlighted specific lines of importance from his books and papers.  During his later years, he pursued his interest in sketching and drew many pictures of scenes with animals.

 Fred is survived by his children:  Brenda (Tom) Fulcher of Cass City, Mary (Don) Kerner of St. Augustine, FL; Frederick (Terrie) Powell, Jr. of Cass City; grandchildren:  Mindy (Trent) LeValley, Thomas (Kim) Fulcher Jr., Jessica Kerner, Jeremy Powell, Tara Powell, Justin Powell; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Barbara Poe.   He was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses:  Sanford (Rita) Powell, Mike (Esther) Powell, Vern (Earline) Powell, Dean Powell, Virginia (Bill) Allison, Rosella (Bill) Kretchmer.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Sam Leppert, Funeral Celebrant officiating.  Interment in Elkland Township Cemetery.  Military honors conducted by Cass City V.F.W. Post #3644 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to Northwood Meadows or to the Imagination Library.

Visitation:   4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

                  10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City