2025 Obituaries

OBIZAAN, Lee Staples

Aazhoomog gii-ondaadizi a'aw Obi zaan Maadaginzod Binaakwii-giizis, Ashi-zhaangaswi niimidana ashi naanan gikinoonowin naash gii-ishk waa-ayaa Onaabani-giizis ingod waasogonagizid Niishtana niishtana ashi-naanan gikinoonowin imaa endaad. A'aw Ajidawaashiik we Nancy Churchill-Staples naa August Staples Sr., mii iniw owawiinge-gitiziiman. Ogii-nitaawigi'igoon idash Nazhike wigaabawiikwe Sophia Churchill-Benjamin naash Ogimaawab John Benjamin, mii iniw ogitiziiman.

Izhi-mikwendaagozi a'aw Obizaam a'aw Maakawaadizid, gii-kanawendamaage iniw gimishoomisinaan, gii-midewi'iwe, gii-wiiyawen'enkaage nebowa, odayaawaan awashime naanwaak iniw owiiyawen'enyan, gii-gikinoo'amaage gidinwewininaan, gii-maajaa'iwe, ogii-ozhibii'aan nebowa da-gikinoo'amaagozinid anishinaaben niigaan, niswi iniw mazina'iganan, biinish nebowa ogii-ozhibii'aanan imaa anooj babaamaajimo-mazina'iganing, biinish gaye gii-o-naad amaaged aaniin go apii gaa-kagwejimind wenjida gii-ase maakawind. Moozhag ogii-kagaanzomaan anishinaaben da-mino-bimaadizinid, da-minawaanagozinid, weweni da-doo dawaad iniw wiij'anishinaabeman biinish gaye da-nanda-mi kamonid wenji-asigonid iniw manidoon omaa akiing. Gego aanizhiitangen. Weweni bizindaw. Gii-nibwaakaa.

Oga-nagishikawaan iniw odinawemaaganan gaa-minji nawezid, iniw ogitiziiman, ozigosiban, owiij'aya'aan Waabish kigaabawiikwe Mrs. Joe (Delphine) Shabaiash naa Enabiitang Bernard Benjamin, nebowa iniw odinawemaaganan biinish gaye nebowa iniw owiiyawen'enyan.

Ogii-waangoomaan Ombishkebines, Waasegiizhigookwe, Niizhwaasanangookwe, Bimise Jiigibiig Ikwe, biinish gaye iniw oniijaanisiwaan. Mii iniw enawemaajin. Ozaagi'aan ga kina iniw owiiyawen'enyan igaye.

Da-nanaa'inigaazo Maadanokii-giizhigak Niizhwaasogo nagizid Onaabani-giizis iwidi Odaawaa-zaaga'iganiing, imaa gaa-taad Biidaabanookwe, the late Saxon St. Germaine res idence.

Owii-mikwaamaan iniw wesadawendamonijin, nebowa iniw odinawemaaganan gayat gii-aanjikiiwan. Geget da-mi nawaanigozi a'aw Obizaan dagoshimoonod. Oga-waawaa bamaan iniw odinawemaaganan gaa-minjinawezid gewiin. Mikwendan ogii-kiizhiikaan nebowa gaa-onji-asind megwaa gii-pibizhaagiid omaa akiing, mii aangwaamasidog da-anwebi. Geget aanoodizi da-maada'adood.

"Mikwendan ingoding giga-waabamininim miinawaa." Obi zaan

Floral arrangements made by Austin Lake Greenhouse in Webster, Wisc.

NOODIINGIIZHIIGAD JUSTIN JAMES LEECY

Justin James Leecy, "Noodiingiizhi igad", age 27, began his journey to the spirit world on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Minneapolis.

Justin was born on December 1, 1997, to Wendell Leecy and Bridget Mitchell in Onamia, Minn. Justin grew up on the Mille Lacs Reservation. He loved spend ing time with his cousins. Justin enjoyed life each and every day and all the things that made up his daily life.

Justin is survived by his daughter: Evelyn Leecy; mom: Brid get Mitchell; brothers: Reuben Wind, Duane Wind Jr, Howard Wind, Demitre Wind, Nathan Wind and Eric Leecy; aunts: Caryn Mitchell, Mary Day, Leslie Day, Jennifer Mitchell, Char Lewis, Deb Leecy, Gail Leecy and Cher Leecy; uncle: Kevin Leecy; and many cousins from Mille Lacs and Bois Forte.

He is preceded in death by his dad: Wendell Leecy; grand ma: Lynda Mitchell; grandpa: Fred Day Jr; grandparents from Bois Forte; and sister: Dorothy Wind.

A wake began at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Mille Lacs Community Center and continued until 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The wake then began at 6 p.m.on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Bois Forte Community Center and continued until the service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2025, with Spiritual Leader Brad Harrington Jr. Pallbearers were Reuben Wind, Duane Wind Jr, Howard Wind, Demitre Wind, Nathan Wind, Eric Leecy, Robert Nickaboine Jr, Mason Sam, Drew Smith and Lindsey Mitchell. Burial will be at the Bois Forte Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker and Hackensack, Minn.

OGIMAABINAISE, MARVIN RAY BRUNEAU

Marvin Ray Bruneau, Ogimaabinaise, 68 of McGregor passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Welia Health in Mora. He was born October 5, 1956, in Cloquet. He is the son of Manley and Lorraine (Moose) Bruneau. He graduated from McGregor High School and attended The College of St. Scholastica.

Marvin was united in marriage to Renee (Peterson) in 1982 in McGregor. He was an EMT for McGregor Ambulance for many years and was the District II Representative for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe for 28 years.

He had a passion for vehicles and loved fishing.

He was preceded in death by his brother Rory and his parents Manley Bruneau and Lorraine (Moose) Farah. Marvin is survived by his wife Renee; children: Erin Bruneau (Scott Wat kins), Amanda (Lance) Vandeberg and Amber Bruneau (Jeremy Atwood); 10 grandchildren: Austin, Gavin, Jocelyn, Aubree, Greyson, Morgan, Sullivan, Reddington, Hazel and Jeremy, Jr.; two sisters: Monica Tobar and Rhonda (Ned) Weizenegger; Auntie Brenda Moose, and other special relatives and friends.

Tribal Rites were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the East Lake Community Center in East Lake, McGre gor. Visitation was held at Dusk on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the East Lake Community Center. Burial is at the Rice Lake Wildlife Refuge Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home and Cremation Services in McGregor.

NAAWAKWEGIIZHIG, JAMES NICKABOINE SR

Naawakwegiizhig, James Nick aboine Sr., age 60, passed away on December 29, 2024. Visitation was held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on January 2, 2025, at the District I Com munity Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. Interment was in the Little Flower Cemetery. Arrangements are with the LeMieur Funeral Home in Onamia.

James was born on July 29, 1964, in Onamia, Minn., to Lawrence and Carol Nickaboine. He attended and graduated from Nay Ah Shing High School. James then attended Sta ples Vocational Technical College for carpentry. He enjoyed all sports, especially golfing, boxing, and fishing. Playing Texas Hold’em, gambling at the casino, and being with family was most important to him. He looked forward to family gatherings and cookouts. James was a protector of everyone he cared for.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Nickaboine; children, Christopher Weous, Karla Nickaboine, Moe Nickaboine; sisters, Suzanne (Daniel) Wise, Ann (Danielle) Nickaboine; brothers, Steven Hanks, Larry (Wanda) Nickaboine, Jeff Nick aboine, Paul (Stefanie) Nickaboine, Vernon Nickaboine, Mar lon Nickaboine; grandchildren, Alexander Nickaboine, Brody Nickaboine; Nieces and nephews, Skylar Nickaboine, Hayleigh Nickaboine, Lawrence Nickaboine III, Jaxin Nickaboine, Kas sandra Merrill, Meghan Merrill, Alexandra Merrill, Angelina Wise, Robert Oswaldson III, Bobbi Sue Oswaldson and Wyatt Oswaldson; and many other relatives and special friend, Chris tine “Boozhoo” Howard.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Nick aboine; son, Jayar “James Jr.” Nickaboine; brother, Vernon Hanks.

ZHAAWANO'GIIZHIK, JUAN ROJAS

Funeral services for Zhaawano’Giizhik, Juan Rojas, began with a wake held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the District IIa Chiminising Community Center. A funeral service was held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the District II Co0mmunity Center with Nazhike officiating. Interment is at the Sam family burial grounds. A full obituary was not available as of press time and will be published at a later date.

MISAABE, JOHN JOE STATELY

John Joe Stately, Misaabe “Big Foot Man” of the Eagle Clan, Age 76, began his journey on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from the CentraCare hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

John was born in Red Lake, MN on August 27, 1948, to Winifred Downwind. He attended school in Red Lake and Minneapolis. He also attended college in Ohio. He worked various jobs such as horticulturist and foundry work until his retirement. He enjoyed watching movies, doing yard work, and having cookouts with his family. John liked to spend his time taking leisurely drives and going out to eat at his favorite restaurants. John and his grandson, Blade, were very close, and he considered him his son.

Those he will be joining are his wife, Audrey Stately; his mother, Winifred Downwind; grandparents, Rose and Xavier; daughters, Marcella Roy and Vicky Roy; brothers, Alvin Down wind Sr., and James Westbrook; sisters, Rosalie Jourdain and Marilyn Westbrook; sister-in-law, Barb Westbrook; grandson, Vincent Beaulieu; granddaughter, Savannah Roy; great-grand daughter, Unique Beaulieu; and many other relatives.

John is survived by his sons, John and Alvin Stately; his daughter, Ardana Beaulieu; brothers, Thomas “Jambi” West brook, Stephen Ortley; special nephew, Alvin Downwind Jr; grandkids, Tiffany Roy, Chantelle Beaulieu, Brittany Beau lieu, Blade Bastedo, Joseph Batedo, Darrell May Jr., Tre Roy; great-grandkids, Aurora Beaulieu, Philip Benjamin Jr., Ryder, Brooklyn, and Owen Beaulieu, Joseph Bastedo III, Keoni Cloud, and Marcell Neadeau.

Zhaawanookwe Phillis Jo Homesky

Zhaawanookwe, Phyllis Jo Homesky, age 55, of Spooner, Wiosc. passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. Phyllis was born January 2, 1970, in Minneapolis, the daughter of Charles Homesky and Myrtle Sam. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grand children as much as possible. Phyllis liked going to the casino with her son Spiritboy and being at home taking care of her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her significant other Gerald Malone Sr.; stepmother Faith Saddler; sons Jimmy Dennis, Bruce Dennis, Spiritboy DeCora and Gerald Malone Jr; daughters Carmen “Blaire” Dennis, Jerni Malone & Dusti Rose Malone; sister Charlene Homesky; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother Myrtle; father Charles; grandson Tristen Richard Miller; brother Richard Saddler Sr; sister Cynthia Homesky; and Regina “Mom Gina” Reese.

Tribal Funeral Rites began at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center in Lac Courte Oreilles. Melissa “Babitaw” Boyd officiated. Visitation began at 6 p.m. Monday, March 17, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center. Burial was in Whitefish Cemtery.

Honorary casket bearers were Cynthia Gauthier, Jamie Jack, Gloria LaMorie, Kaye Martin, Mary Mendoza, Tracey Pringle and Pauline Sam.

Casket Bearers were Randy Cadotte, Greg Fleming, Tim othy Gauthier, Nick Miller, Jason Pringle, Bryan Sam Jr. and Jake Taylor.

KEITH DEFOE SR.

Keith Leon DeFoe Sr., age 56 of Wahkon, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Onamia Hospi tal in Onamia, Minnesota. He was born on March 2, 1969, to Kenneth L. DeFoe Sr. and Geraldine L. (Benjamin) DeFoe in Cloquet, Minnesota. Keith was raised near Lake Lena, Minnesota and graduated from Sandstone High School in 1987.

Following his graduation, Keith and many of his family members relocated to the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet. Keith held various jobs during his working years such as se curity at the casino, laborer at the wood mill, carpenter, and even mechanic for his personal cars and others. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and racing, and a lifelong sports fan. Keith's basketball skills earned him a place in several local newspaper articles during his high school career, and he went on to play in multiple softball and pool leagues as an adult. He also enjoyed golf and made many memories as he introduced the sport to his children and grandchildren.

Above all, Keith loved being a grandpa and spending time with his family. He could always be counted on to be there when he was needed no matter where or when his family called. Keith was an avid outdoorsman and appreciated any opportunity to get outdoors including fishing, hunting, and even just mowing his lawn. Keith had a way of adding comedy to any situation and his playful sense of humor was known by ev eryone that had the opportunity to meet him. Though his witty comments will be dearly missed, the sound of his laugh will always live on in the memories of so many that loved him.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth L. De Foe Sr. and Geraldine L. (Benjamin) DeFoe; brother, Kenneth L. (Angela) DeFoe Jr.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his lifelong partner, Shelly Brenny; the moth er of his sons, Shannon Roy; his children, Keith L. DeFoe Jr. (Victoria Conners), Tim DeFoe, Missy Brenny, Katrina (Jeremy) Compton, and Sami-Jo McFatridge; grandchildren, Keith L. De Foe III, Kapri DeFoe, Isaac Brenny, Hayden Farber, Keyonna Far ber, Sequoia Compton, Shea Compton, and Carson Compton; brother, Kevin L. DeFoe (Doreen Diver); uncles, Richard Benja min and Delbert Benjamin Sr.; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. His passing is mourned not only by his family, but also by his devoted friends, Charlie, Jason, Jamie D, and many others that stood by him through the years.

A traditional wake will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at dusk at the Fond du Lac Head Start Gymnasium and will continue until the traditional funeral at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Interment will follow at the Aazhoo mog Cemetery in Sandstone, Minnesota. Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, Minnesota has been entrusted with arrangements.

SINA SKA WIN, ROXANNE NICOLE TAGGART

Roxanne Nicole Taggart, (Sina Ska Win), was born July 24, 1992, at Pine Ridge South Dakota. She made her journey home February 11, 2025, at the age of 32.

She will be remembered as a family builder, she made our family stronger. With all her difficulties and a hard life, she never gave up on life until it was her time to go home. She lived her live half in this world and half in the spirit world. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her parents Tim and Lenie, brothers Tim Jr., Phil, Kyle, sisters Hayasen and Misty, sisters-in-law Shan non, Jayla and Rebecca, a very large extended family which include uncles Richard, Patrick, Pete, Brad, Dave and Rockboy, Aunts Arvella, Tripolyn, Pam, Stacy, Maya, Lupe, Koty, Jenni fer, Marlyce, Nadya and Evelyn (topa). Cousins Martina, Faith, Sylivia, Dawn, Loretta, Bricedee, and Bernard also countless aunts and uncles and cousins, including Niece Skyy and Neph ews Ashton and Cam.

Pallbearers were: Hayasen, Shannon, Jayla, Rebecca, Mar tina, Sylvia, Faith, Dawn, Loretta, Tripolyn, Bricedee, Brianna, Miakota and Skyy. They will take her home this summer. The funeral service was held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Aazhoomog Community Center with Hawkeye Montileaux officiating. The visitation was held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, also at Aazhoomog.

MIKINAAK ASINIIG, DONALD JOSEPH STONE

Mikinaak Asiniig, Donald Joseph Stone, "age 73, began his journey to the spirit world on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn.

Donald was born on June 25, 1951, to Xavier Aitken and Margaret Stone in White Earth. Donald loved powwows and visiting with family and friends. He loved to drive all over to the powwows and always had a smile on his face. He loved to laugh and joke around. He loved Elvis and singing his guitars in his room!

Donald is survived by sisters: Marva Aitken, Linda (John) Lemoine and Wilma Wilkins; brothers: Darwin Wilkins and Wilbur Wilkins; grandchildren: Antoinette Stone, Eric Stone, Darren White Jr, Brianna Benjamin and Chey Anna Stone; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins that loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his father Xavier Aitken; moth er Margaret Stone; daughters: Christine Benjamin and Dawn Benjamin; Significant Other Gladys (Nikki) Benjamin; sisters: Wanda and Lisa; brother: Darrell; nieces: Vicki and Rebecca; and nephews Jason Maurstad and Kyle Wilkins.

A wake was held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Mille Lacs Band Community Center. A funeral ceremony was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with Nazhike officiating. Active pallbearers were Darwin Wilkins, Danny James, Derrick Weyaus, Elijah Redding, Leroy Ross, Jayden Maurstad, Frank Sanchez and Lee Goodman. Honor ary pallbearers were Eric Stone, Darren Benjamin, Terrance Maurstad, Corey Stone and Codey Stone. Burial is at Vineland Cemetery in Mille Lacs.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker and Hackensack, Minn.

NAABAW, MAUREEN NICKABOINE

Naabaw, Maureen Nickaboine, age 65, of Onamia, Minnesota, passed away on January 24, 2025. A visitation was held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral cere mony was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation with Baabiitaw officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the LeMieur Funeral Home of Onamia.

RICHARD HENERY (SONNY) THOMAS JR.

Richard Henery (Sonny) Thomas Jr. was born on August 27, 1950 and passed away at his home on January 10, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Rich Hill at 320.630.2627.

BAABIIDWEWIDAMOOKWE, LOUISE DAVIS

Baabiidwewidamookwe, Louise Davis, age 56, of Onamia, Minn., passed away on January 21, 2025. A visitation began at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Baabiitaw officiating. Inter ment is in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

Louise was born on January 7, 1969, to Roberta Davis and Henry Davis, Jr. Louise enjoyed her time working. She liked to spend her time at the casino, going to visit her great-nephew, Anthony, and taking her dog, Cujo on car rides. She loved having fun with her children. They would often go out to eat together.

Louise looked forward to the holidays, especially the Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts at the casino. She was most comfortable lying in bed watching videos on her phone.

She is survived by her children, Courtney (Dan) Boyd and Connor Boyd; grandchildren, Emma Shingobe and Henry Boyd; sisters, Kim Sam; Nieces, Kelsie (Jeremy) Shaugobay, Chan telle Beaulieu, Brittany Beaulieu, Valerie Harrington; nephews, Ryan Pacheco, Rylie Pacheco, Syrus Pacheco, Leland Sam; Great nieces, Annabel Shaugobay, Kinnley Pacheco, Emery Pacheco, Brooklyn Beaulieu, Aurora Beaulieu, Mariah Har rington; Great nephews, Anthony Shingobe, Ryder Beaulieu, Owen Beaulieu, Philip Benjamin Jr., Kevin Harrington; great great-niece, Myla Harrington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roberta Da vis and Henry Davis, Jr.; partner, Rodney Boyd Sr.; son, Shane Davis-Boyd; sister, Leslie Davis; brother, Robert Sam; nephew, Vincent Beaulieu; great-niece, Unique Beaulieu.