2025 Obituaries

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.

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.