2026 Obituaries

BINESIIKWE, CAROL SAM

Bineslikwe, Carol Sam, age 76, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. A visitation will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Baabiitaw officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

Binesiikwe, Carol Sam was born on September 2, 1949, to Mary (Kegg) and Albert Murphy in Cloquet, Minnesota. She worked as a social worker in many capacities for the Mille Lacs Band and the State of Minnesota. Carol was First Degree Midewewin. She enjoyed powwows and made many jingle dresses for her family. Carol liked to spend her time going to garage sales, playing bingo, gambling, and being with her family, especially her grandchildren. Laughing and arguing with her family and friends. Sobriety was very important to her; she opened her home and heart to others. Carol will be dearly missed by all.

Binesiikwe is survived by her children, David (Dana) Sam, Jona Fineday, Todd (Darian) Moilanen, sisters, Alberta Loso, Lisa Murphy, Dawn Murphy, Judy Beaulieu, Colleen Minger, Ellagene Dorr; grandchildren, Deon, Duane Ill, Drevin, Duron, Memengwaa, Raeya; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Anthony, and Star; good friends, Thelma Baker, Lisa Ballinger; and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Dawn-Renee, Melissa Sam; granddaughter, Tanya Skinaway; parents, Albert Murphy and Mary Kegg; brother, James Day; and significant other, Lloyd Keoke.

WAABISHKAANAKWADOOKWE, CASSANDRA LYNN GARBOW

Waabishkaanakwadookwe, Cassandra Lynn Garbow, age 39, passed away on February 1, 2026. A visitation was held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Baabiitaw officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the LeMieur Funeral Home in Onamia.

AAZHAWANANG, JAMES SAM

Aazhawanang, James Allen Sam, age 64, of Onamia, Minn., passed away on January 16, 2026. Visitation was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Nazhike officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

James was born on February 17, 1961, in Onamia, Minnesota, to Clara (Wind) and Charles Sam. He loved being outdoors, especially hunting, camping, doing yardwork, and going on bike rides. James liked to spend his time playing pool, gambling at the casino, and hanging out with his family.

James is survived by his, sisters, Lorraine Sam, Deanna Sam, Mary Sam; uncle Warren "Charlie Bear" Skinaway; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara (Wind) and Charles Sam; brothers, Charles, Dennis, Marlin, and Kevin Sam; sisters, Karen Sam, Janice Sam, Kathleen Littlewolf, Darlene Sam, Judy Sam, Sandra Sam; and many other relatives.

KE-ZHE-AUN-AH-QUOD, CHAZ ALLEN EAGLE

Ke-zhe-aun-ah-quod, Chaz Allen Eagle, age 36, passed away on January 18, 2026. A visitation was held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. The funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Nibaagaabaw officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

MISKWAADESI, DARREN WHITE

Funeral Services for Miskwaadesi, Darren White. The full obituatry was unavailable as of press time. The full obituary will be published as soon as it becomes available.

A wake was held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. A funeral service was held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10 a.m. Both were held at the District I Baadwewidang Center with Vince Merrill officiating. Interment was at the Vineland Cemetery.

RUSSELL H. THOMAS SR.

Russell H. Thomas Sr., a long-time resident of Sandstone, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 82. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 12, 1943, to John and Emma Thomas, Russell graduated from Sandstone High School and embraced a life filled with learning and adventure. Known for his hands-on skills, he proudly held certifications in auto mechanics, carpentry, welding, electrical work, plumbing, and was a general contractor. He often joked that he was a "jack of all trades, but a master of none," which was just part of his charm.

Russell's love story began when he married his beloved wife, Karen Thomas. Together, they built a life rich in family and love. Russell was a true family man; nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. He was the light of their lives, and his playful spirit will be deeply missed.

A man of his word, Russell never sugar-coated anything and always spoke his mind. He had a passion for automobiles and motorcycles, a love for Elvis Presley, and he enjoyed strumming his guitar in his spare time.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma, and his brothers, Sylvester, Richard, John, Olaf, LeRoy, Jim, his sisters, Mable Wayack and Lorraine Keller.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen of Sandstone, and their children: Russell (Jesse) Thomas Jr., Steve Thomas, Anthony (Krystal) Thomas, Christinia (Todd Thomas, Jammie (Chad) Thomas-Rassett, Johnny (Brenda) Thomas, and Richard Thomas. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 25 grandchildren and 26 great- grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

A celebration of life was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the Methven Funeral Home in Sandstone. In lieu of flowers Russell's family has requested the planting of trees in his memory.

BAABIIYOBIIKWE, SASHA “BOSS” WEYAUS

Baabiiyobiikwe, Sasha "Boss" Weyaus, age 38, passed away on January 27, 2026. A visitation was at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Nibaagaabaw officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the LeMieur Funeral Home.

Baabiiyobiikwe, Sasha "Boss" was born on September 1, 1987, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to her mother Valerie (Weyaus) Jimenez and her father, George Stillday. She loved to participate in pow wows as a fancy dancer. She made her own regalia and held the titles of the Mille Lacs Princess, Little Earth Junior Princess, and then followed by the Little Earth Senior Princess. Sasha loved being a mother and enjoyed shopping and doing various activities with the kids.

Sasha is survived by her son, Joseph Dzubay-Percy; father of her children, Brett Dzubay-Percy; mother, Valerie (Weyaus) Jimenez; sisters, Harriett "Cici" Weyaus, Secret Weyaus, Melina Weyaus; brothers, Michael Weyaus, Mario Sanchez; nieces, Nanalie Weyaus, Kira Weyaus-Smith; nephews, Nathan Thompson, Adrian Weyaus, Elijah Weyaus, Julian Weyaus; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Dwayne Dzubay-Percy; father, George Stillday; grandmother, Gloria Weyaus; uncle, Scott Weyaus; and many loving relatives.

NAAGAANIGWANEB, LUCILLE BETTY KUNTZ

Naagaanigwaneb, Lucille Betty Kuntz (née Sutton), age 86, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Milaca, Minnesota. Born on January 25, 1939, in Cloquet, Minnesota, Lucille lived a life filled with warmth, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that made each day meaningful.

Lucille was the beloved daughter of Grace Matrious and James Wind. Throughout her life, she remained closely connected to her roots and family values. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris Kuntz; her sisters Elsie Karsjens and Vivian Bruce; and her brothers Robert Matrious and David Matrious. She is survived by siblings Alvina Aubele, Carol Higgins, and Gordy (Kathy) Matrious.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: son Terrance (Tammy) Leyk, son Chris Kuntz, daughter Debi (Rick) Doffing, son Gary (Shelly) Kuntz, and daughter Lori (Tom) Trail, 14 Grand Children and 14 Great Grand Children. Her legacy continues through them and the many lives she touched with her gentle spirit.

Lucille had a vibrant soul that radiated joy in everyday moments. She found great happiness in sewing intricate pieces by hand, baking treats that brought smiles to family gatherings, and cooking meals that nourished both body and heart. Her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aromas of home-cooked food and the sound of laughter shared over coffee with friends and loved ones. Known for her feisty spirit and quick wit, Lucille always had a snappy joke ready and brought laughter and light wherever she went.

A devoted fan of soap operas, Lucille never missed an episode of her favorite "stories"— an endearing ritual that brought rhythm to her days. Her warmth extended beyond her family circle; she had a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for. Whether through a kind word or a shared cup of coffee, Lucille's presence brought comfort to those around her.

Her life was a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of love expressed through everyday acts of care. Though she has departed this world, Lucille's memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.

May her memory bring peace and comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in her life. A memorial gathering will be held on February 6, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gorecki Community Center, 435 2nd St NW Milaca, MN 56353.