Thomas Powers

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Holy Trinity Church, Fort Dodge. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Duncombe with military rites presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion of Duncombe. A visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.

Tom was born on March 16, 1949, in Webster City, Iowa, to William and Cathryn Powers. He graduated from Webster City High School in 1968 and was drafted into the United States Army 101st Airborne Division in 1969, facing battle in Vietnam. In 1969, he married Diane Berry, and during this union, they had three children, though the couple later separated. In 2010, he married Cheryl Widen. He was the owner and operator of Powers Transport for fifty years and spent the majority of his life farming next to his father, continuing after his fathers passing. Tom was an active member of the In-County Vets Motorcycle Club and the Duncombe Legion.

Tom is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and their combined five children: Bill Powers, Troy (Christa) Powers, Stacy (Ed) Wardell, Amanda Wendel, Jon Widen, and Tiffany (Dan) Krieger. He had 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, Siblings Joan Hisler of Duncombe, Susan (Kevin) Moss of Clarion, and Pat Powers of Duncombe. He had a passion for traveling and enjoyed giving out his “words of wisdom, with a side of sarcasm.” He carried tremendous pride for his family, spending many hours watching his grandchildren with a humble smile on his face. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will continue through his family. He touched many lives with his generosity and passion, often stating, “I have lived a great life.”

He is preceded in death by his mother, Cathryn; father, William; brother, John; and son, Geoff Widen.

Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and his stories will continue on, bringing smiles to all who think of him.