Sadie Powers

Sadie Powers, age 86 of McFarland passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at Skaalen Nursing Home in Stoughton.   Sadie was born November 4, 1923, the daughter of Carl & Eda (Severson) Grabow.   Sadie grew up in Cottage Grove on the Severson family farm.   In order to attend high school Sadie had to live with relatives in Madison.   She graduated from Madison East High School in 1942.   Sadie furthered her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   She graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education.   After graduation from college she taught high school in Barneveld and Blue River, where she met and married Willis H. Powers.   They moved to Madison and then McFarland to raise their daughters.   Once the four girls were of school age, Sadie returned to the University of Wisconsin to continue her education each summer, earning a Master's in Library Science.   Sadie was the McFarland Elementary School Librarian for a number of years.   She retired from education, last serving as a substitute teacher/librarian for the Madison School District.   Sadie was member of the American Legion Auxiliary Madison and McFarland Chapters;   at one time serving as president.       Sadie was an active member of the McFarland Historical Society; where she spent many Sunday afternoons.   She loved Wisconsin history and shared this appreciation with her family, taking many trips together to surrounding historical sites.   Sadie was a faithful, longtime member of the McFarland Lutheran Church, she was a member of the Sarah Circle, served on the church council, taught Sunday school and established the church library.     Sadie loved to travel; she visited Mexico, Europe, Norway, Alaska, and; in 2002, she took an especially meaningful trip to the Holy Land with her church family. In later years she traveled with her daughters to the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore.   Sadie was a loving mother and grandmother; her grandchildren were her pride and joy.   Family gatherings were a source of joy for grandma.   Sadie loved the flowers of summer. Lilacs, peonies and gladiolas filled the house.   Sadie enjoyed her vegetable garden, which her daughters, reluctantly, helped her tend.   Summer nights were filled with the smells and sounds of canning pickles, tomatoes and peaches.   Sadie is survived by her daughters, Rose Powers (Pam Frazier), Catherine Powers (Bonnie Thorpe) and Patricia (Guy) Powers; grandchildren Jessica Powers and Ross Powers.   She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Juanita Grabow and her daughter Carla Powers.   Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Road McFarland, with the Reverend Jerome Pribbenow presiding.   Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.    Burial will be in Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery.   Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2010 at the Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home, 5801 Hwy 51 in McFarland.   A sincere thank you to Meriter Home Health, Dr. Helen Counts and staff, members of McFarland Lutheran Church, Skaalen Home, and HospiceCare.   Sadie had many friends and will be deeply missed. She was a kind and gentle person; a good friend, mother and grandmother.   Mom, you are out of pain; at home with our savior.   We love you mom and will miss you always.