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William Charles Powell, 90 of Mott, ND passed away at the Sanford Hospital in Bismarck, ND on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Visitation will be Friday, April 10, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. MT to 7:00 p.m. MT, followed by a Rosary/Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. MT at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Mott, ND.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 11, 20206 at 10:30 a.m. MT at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Mott, ND.  Following a time of fellowship and lunch, burial will be at the Hettinger Cemetery in Hettinger, ND.

William Charles Powell was born in Hettinger, ND on May 21st, 1935 as the only son to Walter and Maggie (Svihovec) Powell. "Billy," as he was known to all who knew him, lived his entire life on his parents' original farmstead. From an early age, he was an avid lover of the outdoors with a skilled eye, able to identify any bird that landed on his porch. He had a keen interest in American History, particularly Native American history, often finding arrowheads on his property. He was an expert in all things agricultural, and was most proud of his bountiful crops, meticulous farmyard, and magnificent garden. Billy, 90, peacefully joined his long awaiting angels on April 1st, 2026 after a short illness.

In his younger years, he attended Pleasant Valley Grade School. He rode a big, white, retired Army horse named "Nance" while his two older sisters led him along the 5-mile path. He later graduated from Hettinger High School. He won awards for baseball and was a member of the National Guard. Billy was active in his community. For decades, he proudly served on the board of Ashby Township. He also served on the Mott Equity Advisory Board for 15 years. Not only was he a caregiver and confidant to all his neighbors and family, he continued to make new friends with anyone he met. To know Billy was to know unconditional love, a steady, reliable hand, a listening ear, a detailed conversationalist, a wealth of knowledge, a steward of the land and wildlife habitats, and a familiar handshake, hug, or smile.

On February 21st, 1987, Billy married the love of his life, MaryBeth Laches. He suddenly became the father to five grown children, and over the years, a dear grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Serving as our humble patriarch and leading by example, Billy taught us unwavering patience, generosity, kindness, grace, and forgiveness.

Billy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, daughter Karen Harp, two sisters Alice and Ione, nephew Allan Norby, great nephew Billy Norby, grandson Mitch Miller, in-laws Mike and Irene Messer, Mabel and Don Walter, Jeannette Sullivan, cousin CarolAnn (Elmer) Zimmerman, and numerous Svihovec cousins. He is survived by his children Henry (Carol) Miller, Maureen Miller, Melanie (Mark Frieze) Miller, son-in-law Lynn (Anna) Harp, grandchildren Amanda (Eric) Fauske, Mariah (George) Pieros, Maribeth Clifton, Richelle Clifton, Denzel Clifton, Hunter Harp, Madison Harp, Jennifer Harp, Austin (Lois) Oltmanns, Alyssa Oltmanns, great grandchildren, his best friend and cousin Arlyce Frieze and her family (Janice, Mary, Barb, Dale), niece Barb (Larry) Moe and family (Todd, Lisa, Brian), great niece Chris (Mark) Kleinwachter and family, Sharon Norby, in-laws Jim Sullivan and Ed (Gloria) Laches, lifelong neighbor Todd Heunink, cousins Mark (Marsha) Zimmerman and  Nancy (Wayne) Yates, numerous Svihovec relatives, his farm cats Nosey and Boss Cat, and countless friends.

One last parting message Billy wanted everyone to hear was, "Stay safe and stay well."