Norman Powers

Professor Emeritus Norman R. Powers, 85, of Platteville, passed away at home on Monday, June 12, 2017 surrounded by his family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville.  Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a rosary at 3:45 p.m.  Friends may also call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Norman Powers Engineering Scholarship Fund or to the Platteville Special Olympics.  Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Powers devoted his professional career to teaching engineering students. He taught at the University of Buffalo and the State University of New York where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees. In 1960, Powers accepted a position at UW Platteville, later retiring in 1997. During Powers tenure he experienced many innovations, challenges and changes that were adapted into the curriculum.

Norman Powers was a man of many interests, abilities and talents. At a young age he received flying lessons, obtained a pilot license and bought a Ryan PT 22 airplane.  He was already schooled in the mechanics of engine repair and maintenance which kept him flying for several years. His love and knowledge of sailing led him to the crafting of his own sloop, a 41 ft. fiberglass sailboat which he sailed on the waters of Lake Erie. Norm always had another "project" taking place in his mind then showing up on his drawing board.  Over the years Powers participated in many sports from sky diving to skiing to fishing to road rallies. He also served a term with the Blackhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts as Assistant Commissioner and member of the Platteville Round Table for scouting.                                                                                                            

Powers was born on November 9, 1931 in Buffalo N.Y.

He grew up was educated and held jobs in Buffalo that further sparked his interests. In the summer he worked for the New York Central Railroad which developed a curiosity about the power and use of steam.  His knowledge and resume grew again when he worked for Bell Air Craft in Rocketry. It is worth noting that Powers joined the Niagara Falls Air Force National Guard in 1950-1960 where he served for 10 years.       

On September 3, 1960 Norman was joined in marriage  to Connie Finaldi at St. Joseph's University Parish Church in Buffalo, New York. Two days later they left for Wisconsin to begin the next 56 year chapter of their lives.

Norman is survived by his wife, Connie of Platteville; his children, Mason of Mound, MN; Vance (Jennifer) of ,  Dallas, WI; Cynthia of Platteville; grandchildren, Maddy and Marshall; an older brother Frank, Orchard Park, N.Y.; a younger brother, Charles (Marlis) of Lebanon, New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Cashmere (Casey) and Cecilia Powers, and older sister Teresa Ozark.