Fredrick George Powers, age 67, of Wetmore, Michigan passed away at home on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
Fred was born on February 25, 1955 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of V. George and Marie (Anderson) Powers. Fred loved being in the forest, fishing, hunting, dog sledding and taking care of his huskies as well as spending time with his family. His laugh and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Fred is survived by his daughter, Bobbie Jo (James) Rafuse of Rapid River, his mother, V.M. Marie Powers of Rockford, MI his brothers, Mike (Deb) Powers of Sparta, MI, Tom Powers of Belding, MI, Dave Powers of Rockford, MI, John Powers of Fremont, MI, an adopted sister, Angie Powers of Fremont, MI, a grandson, Austin Rafuse of Rapid River as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by special friends, Tony, Terry, Sean and April and many other friends.
He was preceded in death by his father V. George Powers.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Fred will be laid to rest in the Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Donations in Fred’s memory can be directed to North Woods Home Care and Hospice Foundation, www.northwoodshomecare.com.
Sherry Roberts - Iron Mountain, MI
I have a lot of fond memories of Fred. He was a good guy and the forest will never be the same without him. You will be missed my friend. RIP Brother! My condolences to his family. Hugs Marie and Bobbie Jo!!
Sandra Stauffer - Grand Rapids, MI
My nephew, Fred has always marched to the beat of his own drummer! When he was a boy living in the city, he raised rabbits. When he was first married, he managed a hunting reserve. He later ran a fishery. Fred then found his real passion, raising and training sled dogs. Along with Fred’s daughter Bobby Jo, his mother, and brothers, his sled dogs became his extended family.
Fred had his own set of believes, but always allow you to live your set of believes. He would listen to everyone, and then continue with his life in his own way, as he allowed you to continue in your own way!
He was interesting to watch as he grew from a boy to a man and following his life choices.
He will be missed by many!
Patti Segerstrom - Rapid River , MI
So sorry for your loss Bobbie Jo.
Sending prayers to you and your family
Tyler McGuigan - Rapid River, Mi
Rest well my dear friend Fred. You taught me so much. Our memories will be shared and your wisdom will inspire others. Thank you for your vulgar and hilarious humour, coming to all my track and cross country meets with Ben, the fishing trips, the great food(he was quite the chef), and the beautiful sound of that 12 string guitar and your raspy voice to go with it. He wanted people to know he wasn’t a hippy but a long haired mountain man. Nothing but love and admiration for this amazing person I got the privilege to meet. Rest easy Fred and keep on rocking. “Yee-haw! Let’s rock ‘n roll!”
John Walker - Manistique, MI
It is sure going to be different at camp seeing we were the last two at the end of the road. Its been a great twenty years with both a friend and a good helping hand when I needed it. Both my kids and grandkids feel in love with you and your dogs from the first ride you took them on. Sitting here thinking of the most interesting backwoods “theologian” I ever came across and being a person who reads his bible every morning Fred enjoyed sitting around and expound his outlook on life from his point of view on me. Many hours spent at his cabin doing this. As I sit here and think about Fred I have to laugh as I recall one thing Fred told me one time. He said, “John, if I had been born in old testament times my mother would have surly stoned me long ago!” Now Fred is no longer around and my doorbell of thirty barking dogs is no more but there are still a lot of special memories around. Thanks Fred.
Danielle - Negaunee, MI
Fred took in a doe eyed youngster from washington state and laid the ground work for the woman she grew up to be. I came to work for Fred as a sled dog obsessed teenager. Running (and occasionally chasing) teams of huskies through the Hiawatha forest I fell head over heels in love with the upper peninsula. Fred taught me the important things in life. Like how to use woodstove ash to help your car climb an icy hill, always throw another log on the fire in the middle of the night or you will wake up with a cold nose, and perfume attracts mosquitoes. Spend the extra money on good gear because cold feet can make for a mighty miserable existance. I lost touch over the years, my life went a different direction when I started raising my family. But everytime I throw a log on my fire, or put a harness on my curly tailed dog, I think of Fred (whom I affectionately called Croc). If I survive, without a doubt it will be because of the lessons I learned from this great man.
Dee - Carleton, MI
I met Fred online. We never had a chance to meet in person but he will always be a part of life. We talked about everything and anything! I will never forget him challenging me spiritually and intellectually. I loved discussing the parables that he would send me to read. He did have a unique one of a kind laugh that I can not forget. He was a very caring and passionate person. So sorry for the loss of this amazing man!