William Nicholas Powers

William Nicholas Powers was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 12, 1941, to Leo William Powers and Margaret Mary Powers (nee Sheeren). He died on Aug. 28, 2024, at Franciscan Hospital, having been surrounded by family.

William, or as he introduced himself, "Bill," was raised in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago and attended Our Lady Help of Christians School and St. Mel High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University in political science and his master's degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

The eldest of five, Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Anna P. Powers; daughter, Jennifer Powers Himes (James) of Greensboro, North Carolina; granddaughter, Katherine Anna Himes; son, Michael Liam Powers (Sarah) of Chicago, Illinois; and grandson, Sgt. Garrett M. Powers, USMC; sisters, Monica L. Powers and Melanie C. Hawley (John); niece, Makena Hawley (Robert Jaccaud); grandnephews, Mads and Conrad; nephews, Peter and Liam Hawley; brother-in-law, Dr. John Pankiewicz; niece, Pamela Chow (Chaney); and grandnieces, Ksana, Raya and Yana; sister-in-law, Ellie Pankiewicz; and longtime family friend, Robert J. Stephens.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Mary Massaro (nee Powers); and brother, John M. Powers.

Bill Powers was the consummate family man, a kind, loyal, loving and supportive husband, father, brother and uncle. He was called to serve his communities in his career, working as a city planner in both Rockford and Urbana, Illinois, and as a hazard mitigation and public assistance officer for the state of Illinois and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

He retired in 2006, to enjoy time with his beloved wife and dancing partner, Anna, travel the country (and Ireland), see family and friends and establish retirement roots in Long Beach, Indiana; a place meaningful to him since his feet first touched the fine sand at 9 months old, and to prior generations of his family.

If you were a friend of Bill's, you know he was an excellent listener and was genuinely interested in you and what you are interested in. Also, being of Irish origin, he wasn't particularly efficient at chit-chat or quick stories. Other than a quick review of the weather, he was going to take a deep dive into some subject of note related to current events (local, national or international), the natural world, carefully considered land use, Lake Michigan, Stop 16, and, if you were a really good friend, matters of family. If he asked you "how are you?" he genuinely wanted to know.

Bill's legacy is one of sincerity, generosity, gratitude and love.

If you feel so moved, rather than sending flowers, please consider donating to your cancer research or treatment charity of choice. It's a beast of a disease and a thief of time.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, 613 Washington St. Michigan City, IN 46360, from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 5 p.m. Entombment will take place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 12 p.m.

To sign the online guestbook or leave condolences, please visit www.carlislefh.com or call 219-874-4214.