Franklin Buril Powell was born August 17, 1932 in Effie, Minnesota to Wilbur Delton Powell and Macy Gertrude Mohn. He was the 14th of 16 children. Frank grew up in a logging family in northern Minnesota. Frank logged for a while after school and then when he was 20 he saw a sign for the Air Force and decided to talk to the recruiter. As the story was told he hated logging and wanted out of Effie. The recruiter asked him why he wanted to join and Frank said to see the world. Soon after he enlisted, while stationed in California, the same man that recruited him called him to his office and asked if he still wanted to see the world, Frank answered “When do I leave?” He went into the Air Force in 1952 and served for 14 years. He served in France, Germany, Belgium and Tripoli, Africa during his duty. His last tour of duty was Glasgow Air Force base in St. Marie. His time spent overseas was a very cherished time of his life.
He married Sylvia Mae Lenz on July 3, 1969. They raised 4 children: Carolyn “Sue”, Franklin C, Macie and Adam. Frank worked for Etchart Ranch in 1969 and then Hinsdale Livestock until 1977. They then farmed and raised Hereford cattle on the Lenz family farm east of Glasgow. Frank and Sally enjoyed many camping, hiking and rock collecting trips with the kids. He enjoyed pulling the kids on their sleds behind the snowmobile in the winter. Frank was always willing to help a neighbor out in a time of need. He loved cutting firewood and always had huge piles around the house. Frank and Sally loved watching the kids play sports in high school. He always planted a large garden and could often be found eating vegetables right out of it. He was always trying to grow trees and even hauled a pickup load of fertile soil back, from Minnesota to try and help them grow. Frank loved having the grandchildren around enjoying their laughter and often feeding them things they probably shouldn’t have.
Frank moved into Valley View after Sally passed away. The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff there for taking such great care of him the past couple years. We know it couldn’t have been all sunshine and roses.
Frank passed away in the early morning hours on March 22, 2020 at Valley View Home in Glasgow, Montana. He was preceded in death by 14 of 16 siblings and his wife Sally. He is survived by his children: Sue (Bob) Reinhardt, Frank (Jen Skoyen), Macie (Randy) Andersen, and Adam (Amanda); grandchildren: Alyx (Errick) Tracy, Sami (Jason Haider), Paige, Julian and Evan Powell, Kathryn (Tristan Estes), Dwayne, Dawn Andersen, and Tristan Powell; great-grandchildren: Tucker Powell, Madisyn, Caden and Kayson Murch; younger brother Wilbur; older brother Albert; and more nieces and nephews than he could count.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in Frank’s memory. Funeral services will held at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuaryglasgow.com.
Kristi (Rohde) Shipstead says
Frank’s Family – you are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was a good man and a good neighbor.
Tami McKenna says
Never knew you as Frank, you were always just uncle Bud. I have some great childhood memories from our visits to Montana. RIH…your siblings were waiting for you.
Love Tami
Gladys aka Tootie’s daughter
Wanda Dale says
Adam Amanda and Tristan, we are sorry for your loss. Keep remembering the good memories. God Bless you…….Steve and Wanda