Obituary of Dennis Michael Powers

Dennis Michael Powers, 79 of Wrenshall passed away August 16, 2021 in St. Luke's Hospital from complications after having a heart attack. He was born February 13, 1942 in St Paul to George and Ruth (Novak) Powers. He was raised on a farm in rural Brook Park, before moving to Wrenshall in the seventh grade. He graduated from Wrenshall High School where he met his future wife Sandra Larson. They were married January 28, 1961 in Carlton. He worked at the Conoco Oil Refinery in Wrenshall as a laborer and later as an operator until it's closure in 1981. He moved his family to Moss Bluff, LA taking a transfer to work at the Conoco refinery in West Lake, LA. In 1988 he was promoted to be the plant manager at Jupiter Sulfur, Inc. in Ponca City, OK where he worked until his retirement in 2003. After retirement, he and Sandy traveled the US as full time "RVers" for five years with a home base in Casa Grande, AZ before returning to Wrenshall to be nearer their son and grandchildren. Dennis had a passion for watching dirt track auto racing that he passed on to his son and grandson. He enjoyed snowmobiling, golfing, playing cribbage and visiting the casino. Dennis was active in the Wrenshall snowmobile club and he served as a volunteer firefighter in Wrenshall. He was a member at the Moose Lodge #1031 in Ponca City and was a member at the Ponca City Country club. Dennis was a confirmed member of St John's Lutheran Church in Wrenshall. Dennis will be remembered for his sly, mischievous sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth; sister, Georgia Carroll; sister-in-law, Hilda Powers; and brother-in-law, Richard Cook. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Troy (Jill) Powers of Wrenshall; grandson, Jonathan Powers of Lake Nebagamon, WI; granddaughter, Katie Powers of Minneapolis; siblings, Darold Powers of Carlton, Carol (Norm) Stenzle of La Feria, TX, Barbara Cook of Duluth, and Robert Powers of Long Lake. Dennis will be missed greatly by his poodle, Ebby. Per his requests there will be no memorial services. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home. Letters and cards of condolences can be sent to the family c/o Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com