Michael John Powers

Michael John Powers, 71, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away due to complications from a heart transplant surgery at Anschutz Medical Campus on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Mike Powers was born in Billings, MT, on December 18, 1952 to Thomas and Eva (Rising) Powers. He was the second of four children. Mike was raised on a ranch north of Browning, MT and graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1971. He attended Montana State University in Havre, MT for 2 years, studying mechanics. He moved to Gillette, WY in 1973 after being recruited to work for Haliburton. While in Gillette, he met the love of his life, Shirley Joslyn. Mike and Shirley met at The Sports Shop where Shirley was a waitress. They were married on June 25, 1977. The couple made their home in Gillette, where they raised 3 children, Amber, Amy, and Eric. 

Mike worked hard through the years, holding various positions at Sun Cementing, Buckskin Mine, Williams Production, and McDonald’s. His work ethic was second-to-none, which significantly impacted his family and those around him. He taught his family to take pride in what they do and encouraged them to always do their best. His strong moral compass influenced his children to be honest and trustworthy. 

Mike’s love of the outdoors was reflected in his many hobbies, which included ice fishing, hunting, shooting trap, pitching horseshoes, snowmobiling, ranching, and camping. As long as he was outside, he enjoyed what he was doing. 

Being a grandpa was Mike’s favorite hobby. Mike took great pride in watching his grandchildren in their many activities and found great joy in their endeavors and accomplishments.

Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shirley (Joslyn) Powers and their children, Amber (Powers) Gill and Mark Wagner, Amy (Powers) Gorsuch and Toby, and Eric and Kristin (Dardis) Powers; siblings, Irma Smrcka of Cut Bank, MT, Kye Ann (Skip) Sterner of Great Falls, MT, and Joe Powers of Long Beach, CA; grandchildren Amber (Jon) Gelatic, Dalton (Shelby) Wagner, McKenzie Gill, Madisen Wagner, Owen Gorsuch, Eva Gorsuch, Reid Powers, and Emma Powers; great-grandchildren Braelynn, Blakely, Hudson, John Walker, and Eden; numerous nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Bill Smrcka, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Services will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11am at High Plains Church, Gillette, WY. A graveside service will follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery. Fellowship luncheon will follow the graveside service at Mount Pisgah community room. Friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations:

American Heart Association Donation

Council of Community Services-Gillette, WY