Joseph “Milton” Powell, 81, Storm Cloud, of Grand Marais died Thursday, May 15, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth surrounded by his family.
Milt was born on September 7, 1932 to Mike and Sophie (Connor) Powell on Saganaga Lake, Ontario.
The family moved to Grand Marais in 1939, but Milt always kept a close connection to the lake and returned often in summers to work at Chik-Wauk Lodge and to fish. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was well known for his sense of humor and his story telling. Milt’s story telling and sense of humor were legendary.
As a young man he traveled through the lower 48 (except Maine) by motorcycle. He worked on the construction of the Garrison Dam in South Dakota, high steel in California, and had many adventures during his rambling years. He served four years in the Navy during the Korean Conflict and traveled all around the world and had many interesting encounters along the way.
He was a 38-year kidney transplant survivor—a gift of life from sister Mary. He was very proud of 39 years of sobriety. He was a friend to many and will be missed by all that knew him.
He was very proud of his Ojibwe heritage and was a fluent speaker of his Anishinaabe language. He was a keeper of the stories for his family and loved to share them with all. Milt was a member of the Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians and member of the American Legion Post #413 and retired from Erie Mining and LTV Steel after 35 years of service.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Mary Ottertail Powell and Jack Powell, and Edward and Margaret Connor, and sisters, Vera Jones and Myrtle Pederson, and brothers Andrew and Michael Powell.
Milton is survived wife of 54 years Alice; children, Elizabeth (Wayne) Harris, Jane (Darren) White, and Christine Powell; grandchildren, Ashley (Mike) Doherty, Jessica (Jason) Slimmer, Kristin Bond, Jack and Alexis White; great-grandson Joseph Slimmer; brother Harry Powell; sister Mary Olin; and many nieces and nephews.
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