Kenneth Deem Powell

KD was born on July 4, 1932, in York, NE to William and Hazel (Deem) Powell. He spent his childhood and time as a young adult in Fargo, ND and graduated from Oak Grove Seminary in 1950. In his later years, he completed welding and accounting courses at North Dakota State University.

KD proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952 – 1956, during the Korean War era, as an aircraft reciprocating engine mechanic and technical instructor. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserves in 1960. He attained the rank of Airman 1st Class and received the National Defense Service Medal. Following his military service, KD worked at the Greyhound Bus Depot in Fargo and as an Officer with the Fargo Police Department, where his love of motorcycles began. In 1966, he relocated to Billings, MT beginning a long career as a Patrolman with Burlington Northern Railroad, ultimately retiring in 1994.

Summer weekends in 1962 – 1964 found KD racing super modified stock cars at F-M Speedway in Glyndon, MN or Grand Forks, ND Speedway, winning his first trophy in May 1962. His car racing days were cut short due to an unfortunate turn on the track that found him hospitalized. He was able to sneak in a brief stint of motorcycle flat track and sprint car racing. After moving to Montana, KD spent summers with the family and beloved family dog, Skipper, camping, fishing, and exploring the western United States in a 1964 Chevy camper. Winter months found the family skiing Red Lodge Mountain, which was always topped off with a stop at the bakery before heading back home.

KD took up his love of motorcycles again in the mid-70’s and was proud to have attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for 21 consecutive years beginning in 1981. He made and rode with countless friends through the years. He was still riding his Harley Davidson trike at the age of 93!

In 1993 KD met Kaye Hopkins at the Muzzle Loader in Billings; they married in January 2002. KD and Kaye shared a life of adventures including numerous motorcycle excursions, including their most memorable ride from Montana to Alaska. They enjoyed camping in western Montana, playing music together with family and friends (KD being a self-taught fiddler), attending car shows and poker runs in the restored 1932 Chevy with a rumble seat, watching football, and NASCAR racing. KD especially enjoyed Kaye’s excellent culinary skills up until her passing in 2018.

In 2019, KD and his daughter Terri relocated to Casa Grande, AZ to be closer to family. KD quickly met new friends, fellow motorcycle riders, and music lovers when he found the local VFW. He always enjoyed drinking a cold one (with ice), telling stories, and sharing laughs. On Sundays, he kept up with his Green Bay Packers and Wednesdays found him at the Airport Tavern for tostadas. KD enjoyed reading every word of the local newspaper and mailing articles to friends back in Montana. He was a detailed person that kept impeccable notes and writings of his life events. In October 2024, KD took an Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC with his daughters to tour the war memorials with other veterans. Towards his later days, he enjoyed listening to his old albums & cassettes, practicing on his fiddle, watching the progress of a veteran mural in town, and snacking on caramel puffed corn and frappuccinos.

KD was preceded in death by his wife Kaye; his daughter, Terri Burton; his mother, Hazel Powell; and his brother Milton Clark.

He is survived by his daughters Marcia (Stan) Sniadoski and Cheryl Wilson; grandson Eric (Lisa) Sniadoski; granddaughter Alicia Sniadoski; great granddaughter Emma Jo; great grandson Jose; Godson Brandon Dean; many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW in Casa Grande, AZ on Saturday, August 15 at 3:00 pm. KD will have his ashes scattered at his final resting place near Red Lodge, Montana.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Honor Flight Arizona at honorflightaz.com.