TAMA-Eugene John Poweshiek, 73, of the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama, passed away, Monday, March 12, 2012 at his home. Traditional graveside services will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Morgan Cemetery on the Meskwaki settlement with Homer Bear Jr. as speaker. A traditional wake will be held on Tuesday evening at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the settlement.
Eugene was born on February 17, 1939 at Sapulpa, OK the son of James and Pauline (Whittington) Poweshiek. He attended Sapulpa High School and later Oklahoma State University Tech. After high school he spent eight years in the U.S. Army. Eugene was a sergeant in the Special Forces and completed four tours in Vietnam from 1961-68. He made handmade boots before retiring in 1980.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Survivors include two sons, Phillip Poweshiek of Sapulpa, OK and Steve Poweshiek of Gutherie, OK; grandchildren, Stevie A. (Brandon) Williams, Corey, Natalie, and Zeak Poweshiek; great grandchildren, Aiden and Isabella Williams; brother, Horace (Deloris) Poweshiek of Glenpool, OK; sisters, Louise Youngbear of Tama, Geneva Papakee of Tama, Doris American Horse of West Covina, CA, and Marlis Kaniatobe of Alhambra, CA; nephew, Terry; niece, Patricia; great nephew, Shaun; and great niece, Renae.