MIDDLETON - Timothy Swift “Tim” Powell passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Madison, Wis., after a lengthy illness and suffering a massive stroke and heart attack. Tim was born on May 3, 1952, in Ottawa, Ill., but he lived most of his life in his beloved state of Wisconsin.

Tim is survived by his wife and best friend, Deborah Ryan; his dearly loved brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Sandy Powell; and his adored nephew, Bill Powell. He is further survived by his three stepchildren who brought joy to his life, Jason Pursian (Molly), Tamara Lulloff (Scott) and Andrea Rusk (Chad); and six step-grandchildren whose youth, vitality, and acceptance were a precious gift to him.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Powell and E.G. “Jake” Powell; and by his brother, John Powell.

He graduated from Neenah High School, attended UW-Oshkosh, and graduated from UW-Eau Claire.

Tim met his wife, Deborah, later in life and both agreed that they finally got it right. They cherished their time together and were more in love each day.

While working in manufacturing and production planning, Tim was keenly intelligent, inventive, and hard working on his own terms. He enjoyed his work and was exceptionally skilled, but didn't take well to rules, would never be subservient, and would have worn the badge of “insubordinate” with pride. Tim retired on his own terms as soon as he could so that he could focus on hiking, travel, listening to music, going to concerts, following the news, watching Jeopardy, being with his friends, and enjoying his days.

Tim was proud that he traveled to all 50 states, the last being Alaska in 2023. He felt good out in the woods hiking and camping, and on the water canoeing and sailboating. He also traveled the world with Road Scholar and often spoke of his trips to places including Machu Picchu in Peru, Australia, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands. Tim also loved his extended stays in Costa Rica.

Music was a very important part of Tim's life. While he enjoyed a wide range of music, jazz and blues spoke strongly to him. He loved going to jazz clubs in Chicago and Madison (the Cardinal Bar in Madison when Ben Sidran was playing was a favorite) and concerts with friends. He was an avid collector of vinyl records.

Tim enjoyed Coen brothers’ movies, especially The Big Lebowski. He proudly accepted the moniker of “the Dude” when people would say at various points in his life that he looked like the main character in the movie.

An important part of Tim's life was his “Fling Family”. He helped plan and organize a yearly event, “Spring Fling”, over Memorial Day weekend that has lasted for 52 years and Tim attended all of them. Friends got together and camped, boated, played horseshoes, campfired, feasted, fested, and enjoyed great music including some early performances by Justin Vernon who went on to create Bon Iver.

Following politics closely was a passion of Tim's through the final day of his life. He often cited his mother's influence leading him in this pursuit. He read and compared numerous sources each day in order to form conclusions and voted in every election. He often said that he liked his coffee strong and black, like his favorite president.

Tim's family would like to thank the UW Hospital staff and all of his healthcare providers for their kindness and trusted care of Tim. Their professional and compassionate care throughout his lengthy illness, and especially during his final hours, was a great comfort.

Tim's wry wit, keen introspective intelligence, unassuming caring and generosity, quiet stoicism, and genuine unique complicated magnificence will be remembered with love, and music, by family and friends at a gathering “by the water” as he wished. Invites will be mailed soon.

Given Tim’s love of hiking and travel, please consider a gift to the Sierra Club or Road Scholar in his memory if you would like.

A few lines from a song Tim chose for us to remember him by:

Well, it’s all right even if you’re old and gray

Well, it’s all right, you still got something to say

Well, it’s all right, remember to live and let live

Well, it’s all right, the best you can do is forgive

Well, it’s all right, riding around on the breeze

Well, it’s all right, if you live the life you please

Well, it’s all right, even if the sun don’t shine

Well, it’s all right, we’re going to the end of the line

“End of the Line”, the Traveling Wilburys

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Timothy S. "Tim" Powell

May 03, 1952 - June 16, 2026

Send Local Flowers & Gifts for Timothy

Categories