John Powers Obituary

About John

John Powers, 41, of Monticello, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on March 20, 2026, after a long struggle with addiction—a battle he fought in his own way for many years.

Born February 23, 1985, in Janesville, Wisconsin, John was the beloved son of Stanley and Peggy Powers.

John was a skilled machinist by trade. He felt most at home outdoors, especially while riding his Harley or being near the water. Fishing was his reset button, his excuse to disappear for a while, and, if you asked him, he usually had “the one that got away” story ready to go.

But more than anything, John will be remembered for his personality. He loved to bullshit—and he was good at it. He could spin a story and make you laugh until your stomach hurt. Time spent with John was rarely quiet and never boring.

Music was another place where John came alive. Live shows were his thing—loud, crowded, and exactly where he wanted to be. His favorite band, Ween, was always in heavy rotation, and if you went to a show with him, you knew you were in for a good time (and probably a long night).

Above everything else, John loved his daughter, Amaris, fiercely. She was his heart and his pride. The love he had for her was undeniable.

John had a circle of friends who were like brothers to him, especially his best friend, David Penner, who stood by him through it all. Their friendship was the kind that didn’t need much explaining—just time, loyalty, and plenty of stories.

John and Michelle Olson shared a deep and lasting connection, and she held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his parents, Stan and Peggy Powers of Monticello, MN; his sister, Marissa Powers (Rudy Dehmer) of South Haven, MN; and his daughter, Amaris Sodren of Brooklyn Center, MN. He is also survived by his only niece, Kadence Powers, Seattle, WA, uncle and aunts, Gary Whitehead, Plymouth, MN, Penny Garlitz (Rick Anderson), Monticello, MN, Sharry Borgwardt, Janesville, WI, Sue (Mark) Gavigan, Milton, WI and Paula Tubbs, Topeka, KS. He is also survived by several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Dora Powers, and John and Betty Whitehead.

If you knew John, do him a favor—tell a good story, laugh a little louder, and maybe blame him for it.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

April 11, 2026

VFW Post 8731 713 Cedar St, Monticello, MN 55362, USA

Please join us to celebrate the life of a man who meant so much to so many.

Come as you are - just as John would have wanted.

Wear WEEN gear if you have any. He would have loved that.