2024 Obituaries

ZHAAWAN, RAYMOND DALY

Raymond Charles Daly was born April 20, 1959, and passed away April 7, 2024, at the age of 64. He was preceded in death by his parents Isabel Skinaway and George; siblings Karen, Tammy (Pamela) Bixby, Richard and Kathy; and niece Karen Bixby Small. He is survived by his sister Shelly Diaz; nieces Robyn, Shadiyah and Laneya; nephews Tariq, Zachary, Sergio, Kyle and Richie; and many cousins, grandnieces and nephews.

Raymond grew up in East St. Paul and graduated from Career Study Center. He loved photography, exploring, and KQ92! For much of his adult life, he fought a difficult battle with mental illness and traumatic brain injury. His body got tired. He is at rest in peace.

Raymond loved his family very much. When he would phone us, he always began with “Hello, Uncle Raymond here, what’s happening in your neck of the woods?” He will be deeply missed.

Raymond is a proud member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. His traditional funeral service and burial was held in Aazhoomog, Lake Lena, Minnesota with Nazhike, Bradley Harrington officiating

ZHAAWAN, KENNETH MITCHELL, JR.

Zhaawan, Kenneth Mitchell, Jr., age 37, of Onamia, Minnesota, passed away on April 11, 2024. Visitation was held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. The funeral ceremony will held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Nazhike officiating. Interment was in the Boyd Family Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Kenneth Wayne Mitchell Jr. was born on June 27, 1986, in Onamia, Minnesota, to Diane Nickaboine and Kenneth Mitchell Sr. He attended and graduated from Nay Ah Shing High School. Kenneth worked in security at Grand Casino and in the deli department, and as a cashier at the Grand Market. He loved playing his PS5 and spending time with his sons and grandson. Kenneth enjoyed playing basketball, watching movies, and singing in the shower. Being with his mom and grandma was how he liked to spend his time.

Kenneth is survived by his children, Kenneth Mitchell III, Arkadian Mitchell, Adrian Mitchell, Lilianna Mitchell; grandson, Jackson Nayquonabe; mother, Diane Nickaboine; grandmothers, Bette Sam, Susan Shingobe; brother, Randall (Teresa) Nickaboine; sisters, Kendra, Sunny, Sherry, and Chasity; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Mitchell Sr.; sister, Kelly Mitchell; and brother, Fabian Mitchell.

GIDAGAEBINESH, DONALD R. EUBANKS

Donald R. Eubanks "Gidagaebinesh" died on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at United Hospital in St. Paul. He was 69 years old.

Donald Ross Eubanks was born November 26, 1954, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Isabelle Sam Eubanks and James Ross Eubanks. Donald’s story is truly inspiring how he paved his way in this life and touched the lives of so many others along the way.

He graduated from Minneapolis Community College with a Liberal Arts Degree, Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work, and the University of Minnesota with a Master’s of Social Work.

Donald worked most recently as an associate professor and Field Director for the Social Work program at Metropolitan State University. His education allowed him to fulfill a lifelong dream of serving the Band.

He was honored to serve under the late Chief Executive Marge Anderson as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians from 1998 to 2000 and from 2009 to 2012. He will be remembered for the creation of the Circle of Health, a tribal member benefit program helping Band members with their medical insurance needs; and the development of the Elder Assisted Living facilities. He was proud to be a part of the Cabinet for the Mille Lacs Band when they won their 1999 Supreme Court case to retain hunting and fishing rights.

He worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Services in two roles; first as Director of the Chemical Health Division, and as the Director of Multicultural Affairs for Chemical and Mental Health Services Administration. Don retired in 2021 and continued to participate in the Counter Stories podcast, which will forever hold his vast knowledge and insights about the community and the world.

He loved golfing, fishing, and sharing his wisdom and humor through stories. Donald was a loving husband, father, brother, Elder, mentor, teacher, advocate, and powerful voice of change. In every role he took on, he gave it his all and changed it for the better.

He is survived by significant other, Mara Molenaar; children, Rafael Eubanks and Gabriella Eubanks; siblings, Charnell Mosley, Debra Barge, Connie Taylor Eubanks, Raymond Eubanks, and David Eubanks.

He was preceded in death by his father James Ross Eubanks, his mother Isabelle Sam Eubanks, uncles Herb Sam, and David Sam.

The funeral ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Chiminsing Community Center in Isle with Baabiitaw officiating. The wake will begin at dusk on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, also at the center. Burial will be at Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Isle.

BIMAWAY GEESHIG GOO QWAY CHRISTINA F. BENJAMIN

Bimaway geeshig goo qway Christina F. Benjamin, age 90, a resident of Danbury, Wisc., passed away peacefully at home with her loved ones by her side. Christina was born on September 1, 1933, in Grantsburg to parents William and Maggie Austin, Sr.

Christina married the love of her life, Edwin Benjamin, on December 20, 1952, in Pine City, Minn. Together they raised six children.

She spent over 20 years working for Honeywell. She enjoyed flowers, yard work, watching the hummingbirds, going to the casino, and in her day, she loved to watch softball. She also took pleasure in watching westerns, doing word search, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Christina is preceded in death by parents; husband, Edwin; sons, Ronald Staples and Gary Benjamin; granddaughter, Savanna; sister, Dorothy Garbow, and brother, William Austin Jr.

She will be forever missed by her children, Romona (Orin Sr.) Reyes, Gloria (Dwaine) Benjamin, Ed (Pat) Benjamin Jr., Roberta Benjamin, Tracy Benjamin, Kelly (Louis) Benjamin-Mackyol and Michael Benjamin; 22 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Marion Nelson and Gladys Loger; along with other relatives and many friends.

Visitiation was held on Monday, February 12, 2024, after 6 p.m. at the Lake Lena Aazhoomog Community Center. Services were held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Aazhoomog Community Center. Interment followed at the Danbury Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ryan Benjamin, John Bearhart, Delbert Benjamin Jr., Marvin Staples, Raymond Benjamin and Karl Matrious, Jr.; honorary pallbearers were Bemosaakwe, Edward Benjamin, and her many grandchildren.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster. Online condolences can be made at www. swedberg-taylor.com.

NEZHIKEWAASANG, LARRY WIND

Nezhikewaasang, Larry Wind, age 76, of Onamia, Minn., passed away on February 1, 2024. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation, with Nazhike officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial grounds.

Larry was born on May 20, 1947, to Dorothy (Sam) and Sonny Wind. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. He was an excellent pool player and was on a pool league. Larry looked forward to his chance to enter the area demolition derbies. He liked to spend his time going to the casino and playing bingo. Larry will be remembered for his sense of humor and for making those around him smile and laugh.

He is survived by his sons, Sonny Benjamin, Adam Benjamin Sr., Paul (Mary) Benjamin; sister, Joyce (Ray) Trudell; grandson, Adam Benjamin Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Sam) and Sonny Wind; sister, Eloise Wind; brothers, Virgil Wind, Clyde Wind, Dale Wind, and Duane Wind.

JIIGEWEGAABAWIIKWE AMI SULLIVAN-FLEMING

Jiigewegaabawiikwe, Ami Sullivan-Fleming, age 31, passed away on January 30, 2024. Visitation was held at 5:30 p.m.on Friday, February 2, 2024, 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, February 3, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Baabiitaw officiating. Interment was in Vineland Burial Grounds.

Jiigewegaabawiikwe, Ami was born on February 25, 1992, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Paula Benjamin and Anthony Sullivan. She enjoyed reading books, going for walks in the city, and playing video games and board games with her family. Ami was a free spirit who loved spending time with friends and going wherever the wind would take her.

Ami is survived by her son, Jesse Lee Sullivan; daughters, Mary-Jane Rose Fleming, Angelica Violet Fleming, Athena Kenny Fleming; father, Anthony Sullivan; siblings, Angel Benjamin, Toni Sullivan, Lawrence (Tyesha) Sullivan; nephews, Angel Lynn, Jordan Jefferson Jr., Joseph Miller Jr., Quartz Del'Amber Sullivan, nieces, Golden Lynn, Nevaeh Jefferson; aunt, Donna Sullivan; cousins, Christina Sullivan, Thomas Sullivan, Danny Ring, Amber Ring; and many other aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Paula Benjamin; brother, Del Benjamin; paternal grandmother, Eleanor Sullivan; maternal grandmother, Pauline Benjamin; maternal grandfather, Douglas Eagle; uncle, David Sullivan; cousins, Cheyenne Mitchell, and Trent Mitchell.

LAURA MACLEAN

Laura MacLean, age 60, of Onamia, Minnesota, passed away December 11, 2023, after a year-long battle with cancer. A funeral service was held Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the District I Community Center with Nazhike officiating.

Laura was born on April 5, 1963, in Chisholm, Minnesota. She was a Mille Lacs Band member and dedicated 30 years to Grand Casino Mille Lacs as a slot attendant. Laura loved spending time being a devoted mother and grandparent. She was a homebody who loved spending time baking cookies, pies, and cakes. She took pride in her outdoor landscaping and decorating for every holiday, especially Christmas (sometimes the lights never came down). If she could not be found at home, you could find her at a local thrift shop trying to find the best deal or searching Marketplace for those can't-miss opportunities, and if time permitted, she would sneak away to the Lucky 7's — the slot machines were her favorite. She always found a way to put everyone's needs in front of her own. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Laura is survived by her former husband, Patrick MacLean; her children, Christopher MacLean, Daniel MacLean, Alyssa MacLean, Bobby, and Catherine Kulhanek (MacLean); in addition to her children, she had 13 grandchildren; some of which she raised herself. Her siblings were: Richard Mortenson, Beverly Graves, William Erickson, and Darrel Erickson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine Erickson, Randolph Mortenson, and Virl Carpenter; and her sisters, Faye Ann Erickson and Joy Ann Mortenson.

You were our anchor who held our family together. It's your time to rest. We love you, Mom.

ZHAAWAN, BOBBI SAM

Zhaawan, Bobbi Sam, age 39, passed away on January 7, 2024. Visitation was held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Ombishkebines officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

Zhaawan, Bobbi Rae Sam, was born February 17, 1984, in Onamia, Minnesota, to Corrina Cash and Darrell Sam. Bobbi attended Nay Ah Shing High School and later went on to take classes at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, where she loved writing and poetry. She spent most of her time helping others and was always there when anyone needed her. She loved making those around her happy and enjoyed making people laugh on social media but most importantly in person. Her contagious laugh and smile will be deeply missed.

Most of all, she loved being a mother and aunt.

Bobbi is survived by her five sons, Caleb, Cailen, Christopher, Cass, and Caidence; parents, Corrina Cash, and Darrell Sam; brothers, Garrett Sam, Daniel Sam, and Luther Sam; sister, Kasey McCabe; nieces, nephews, and many relatives.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lorena "Panji" Gahbow, Archie Cash, Sr., and Dorothy Sam; sister, Erin Cash; aunts, Tami Gahbow, Nancy Gahbow, Linda Sam, and Isabelle Sam; uncles, Bill Gahbow and Pete Gahbow

BEZHIGWAYWIDUNG, JEREMY DEWAYNE HARRINGTON

Bezhigwaywidung, Jeremy Dewayne Harrington, age 47, of Onamia, Minnesota, passed away on November 27, 2023. Visitation was held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Ombishkebines officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia

CHARLES "PUNKIN" HANKS JR

Charles “Punkin” Hanks Jr., age 83, of White Earth, Minnesota, died on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Moorhead Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Moorhead.

Charles Louis Jr. was born February 1, 1940, in White Earth, the son of Charles Louis Sr. and Margaret (Ahbedaush) Hanks. He grew up in the White Earth area where he attended school. Following high school, Punkin entered the workforce and began as a lumberjack in Grand Portage. He traveled all over the country working a wide variety of jobs. Over the years, Punkin worked for Hellgrin Brothers, Peterson Truck Farm, as a ride operator for the carnival, driving truck for the sugar beet campaign, building houses in addition to many others. After several years he returned to the White Earth Reservation to put down roots. At age 35, he quit drinking and smoking and became a single parent of two children. Punkin became a traditional and spiritual man and a huge advocate against drinking among his native people, especially the youth. He furthered his education with carpentry classes at the Detroit Lakes Vo-Tech. An unfortunate on the job injury prohibited him from continuing a life of manual labor and he turned his work to helping through the church and the youth. He spoke to the youth at many schools and substance abuse programs and started a Talking Circle in Waubun for the youth. He taught them respect, beading, gardening, and maple syruping. Punkin was the Chairman for the Johnson O’Malley program for two years and the Chairman for the White Earth Community Council for 18+ years. He became very involved with St. Columba Episcopal Church in White Earth serving as both Jr. and Sr. Warden, lay minister, helping with readings and leading wake services until they were able to get a full time Priest. Punkin learned to sing Ojibwe from his elders, and he’s been singing for over 50 years. He was part of the group, “The Ojibwe Singers,” who sang at many events like funerals, wake services, graduations, and Christmas songs at the casino. Their group traveled all over singing and were honored to sing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Punkin was also honored to be featured in two books, Honoring Elders: Aging, Authority, and Ojibwe Religion, and Ojibwe Singers, written by Michael McNally.

In his younger years, he played football, basketball, and enjoyed berry picking and fishing. In more recent years, he liked playing cards, word search puzzles, watching old westerns and WWE on television and attending pow wows. Above all, Punkin loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Throughout his many travels, he met many people and always parted ways as friends. He will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him, but his spirit will live on in their hearts.

Punkin is survived by a daughter, Brenda (Tim) Antell of Mahnomen and their children: Courtney (Joshua), B, Drake, Kaitlan, Jordan (Brianna) and Dradan; and grandchildren: Elijah, Elias, Ethan, Drake Jr., John, Azalea, one arriving in 2024, Alexis, Peyton, Mackenzie, Karen, Michael, Joshua Jr., and Manny; a son, Charles Louis III of White Earth and his children: Scott, Shayleigh, Devon, Miya, Meya, Alisea, Conner, Chasity, Sophie, Sonnoma, Sheldon, Charlie, Ciara, Bunny, Alawna, Betty, Bella, Jimmy and PatPat; and grandchildren: Scott “Junebug” Jr., Aalaya, Jeremiah, Michael, Violet, Mathew, Nishiime, King, Braxten, Gracelynn, Esperenza, Khaleesi and Arlo.

In addition, Punkin is survived by two sisters, Ethel (Bob) Davey of Finley, ND, and Marilyn Teiken of Mahnomen; two brothers, Richard “Wayne” (Susan) Hanks of White Earth and LeRoy “Walleye” Hanks of Waubun and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded by his parents; six brothers: Julius “Rat”, Ronald “Duck”, Robert “Otis”, Dallas “Kiddo”, Elvis “Beaver”, and John “Gook”; three sisters: Marge Bellanger, Goldie Hanks and Laverne Hanks.

Blessed be the memory of Charles “Punkin” Hanks Jr.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at St. Columba Episcopal Church in White Earth, with a Prayer Service led by the Ojibwe Hymn Singers. A Funeral Service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at St. Columba. Burial was in St. Columba Episcopal Cemetery, White Earth.

NIIGAANIGAABAWEQUAY, ALANDREA RENEE GOODWIN

Alandrea Renee Goodwin (Niigaanigaabawequay. ) was born on June 2, 1997, in Minneapolis to Rosalind Leon (Hunt). She died on April 12th, 2024 in St. Paul.

Alandrea was an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Alandrea attended Center School on the Southside of Minneapolis, where she had grown up her whole life.

She was a great artist; she could draw anything you would put in front of her. She also had passion for make-up and hair. She was very funny and always had everyone laughing. Family was very important to her and she loved to spend time with her mom and siblings and daughter.

She is survived by her mother Rosalind Leon; dad Tomas Leon; sister Leticia Garcia (Leon), Aleila Leon, Angelina Hofmann; brothers Armondo Leon and Tomas Hofmann; daughter Rosaleigh Denny. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends.

She is preceded in death by her son Rey Rainey; grandmother Arlene Hunt; uncle Roland L. Hunt Jr; and many loved ones.

WAAWIYEKAMIGOOKWE, ELYSSIA RODRIGUEZ

Waawiyekamigookwe, Elyssia Rodriguez, age 36, passed away on April 10, 2024. Visitation was held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, 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, April 20, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Baabitaw officiating. Interment is in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

Elyssia was born on January 29, 1988, in California to Michael and Wanda (Skinaway) Rodriguez. She enjoyed listening to music, cooking, being outdoors, and playing basketball in the park.

Elyssia liked to spend her time with her children and friends. She had a great sense of humor and was always laughing.

Elyssia is survived by her sons, Jeramiah Michaels Rodriguez, Franklin Lou Rodriguez; sister, Sarah Douglass (Rodriguez); brother, Rueben Rodriguez; aunt, Dora Sam; father, Michael Martinez Rodriguez; and nieces, Cellena Velasquez, Rheannah Rodriguez.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda (Skinaway) Rodriguez; grandparents, Frank and Starry Skinaway

NIIBAWISEKWE, KAREN SAM

Niibawisekwe, Karen Sam, age 70, passed away on April 23, 2024. Visitation was held at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, 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, April 27, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Ombishkebines officiating. Interment is in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

WAASEYAANGE, RAYMOND DOUST JR.

Waaseyaange, Raymond Doust Jr., age 57, passed away on February 11, 2024. Visitation was held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. Interment is in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

Waaseyaange, Raymond Eugene Doust Jr., was born March 14, 1966, in Brainerd, Minn. to Delores Hegland and Raymond Doust Sr. Raymond was known for his humorous personality and generosity. He would always tell you how it is, and what you needed to hear whether you wanted to hear it or not. Raymond was a proud veteran having served in the Army. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and also with his beloved dogs. He liked going to the casino, playing his guitars, watching sports, and rooting for his Minnesota teams. He also enjoyed listening to his country music.

Raymond is survived by his daughter Athena Sagataw, his mother, Delores Hegland (Larry Hegland); brother, Jacob Doust Sr.; sister, Carolyn (Marvin Beaulieu); many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his beloved wife Toni Doust; sons, Donevin, Daniel, and Eric; brothers. Kevin Boyd and Don Boyd; grandparents, Dan and Daisy Boyd; and many loved ones and friends.

NAZHIKEWIGAABAWIIKWE HELENA MOOSE GRAIKOWSKI

Nazhikewigaabawiikwe (Alone Standing Woman), Helena Moose Graikowski, age 85, passed away on February 20, 2024. Visitation was at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the District II Chiminising Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Chiminising Community Center near Isle, Minn. Interment is in the Faith Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Helena was born October 12, 1938, in Cloquet, Minn., to Alex Moose and Anne (Davis) Moose. She attended the Minnesota School for the Deaf in Faribault, Minn., and in 1959, Helena graduated. In 1961, Helena married Richard Graikowski and together they raised five children in eastern Wisconsin. While Dad was working, Mom took pride in raising her children, making sure we grew up with love, discipline, and a sense of humor. Helena taught all her children and others American Sign Language (ASL). She loved being a mother, she entertained the family with game nights and outside activities which were a regular event. She influenced her children with good work ethics. Helena lived a full and active life. She loved to travel, cheered on the Green Bay Packers, and looked forward to playing Dominoes with all her grown children and grandkids. She attended various vocational schooling which allowed her to work many different occupations, such as a beautician, data entry clerk, machinist, a clerk with the U.S. Postal Service, and lastly, at the Mille Lacs Band Office of Management and Budget as a file clerk. She faced numerous challenges throughout her life and overcame every obstacle with grace and dignity. She is the last of the original Moose family that help populate the old Indian Mission Road Reservation in the early 1940s. In her final days, she expressed that she lived a long and satisfying life; and was extremely proud to see her children grow up to succeed in life.

Helena is survived by her four children, Corwin (Ruth Sam) Graikowski, Onamia, Jay (Emma aka Mackie) Graikowski, Fort Lauderdale, Gilda (Tracy) Burr, Onamia, and Emma Gagnon, Wausau Wisc; nieces, Dawn Boyd-Chosa and Jenny Moose Buckholtz; nephew, Bob Moose; grandchildren, Luke (Libby) Gagnon, Cassandra Graikowski, Corrista Graikowski-Dwyer, Jeremey, Loren, Danica and Jace Burr, and April Coming Hay; seven great-grandchildren, Kingsley McKuene, Damion Coming Hay, Esme, Ethan, Everleigh, Novalee Burr, and Auna Burn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Annie Moose; brothers, Paul, Basil, Bob and Freddie Moose; sisters, Brenda, Bernice, Nancy Alice; daughter, Paula; nephew, Richard Graikowski-Del Kittie and David Boyd; and her ex-husband, Richard Graikowski; other great nieces and nephews.

ONI KOO GA BOU, MONTGOMERY JAY STAPLES

Oni koo ga bou, Montgomery Jay Staples, age 73, of Hinckley, Minnesota, passed away on January 27, 2024. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Aazhoomog Community Center. Interment was in the Stevens Lake Cemetery.

Monte was born October 15, 1950, to George and Frances (Reynolds) Staples, the second of thirteen siblings, Temperance McLain, Denise (Mark) Chamblin, Melanie Benjamin, Marvin Staples, Dean Staples, Bernadine Roberts, Arlene (Chris) Victor, and Brandon Benjamin.

Monte was preceded in death by the following siblings: Mervin Staples, George Staples, Arnold “Sonny” Victor, and Francine Staples. Monte was a father to four children: Cheyenne, Billie, Spring, and Kiowa (twins).

Monte was born in Shell Lake, Wisc., and because of the U.S. policy of relocation, his dad, mother, siblings, and other relatives moved to St. Louis, Mo. Monte had many friends from living in St. Louis, Mo. As a very young man, Monte traveled all over the USA and even went to Seattle, Wash., to work on the shrimp boats. Monte was a talented artist in the mediums of beadwork, painting, wood burning, and wood carving. His most recent art projects were carving canes utilizing natural materials to create art, such as miniature fireplaces and incense holders. Monte was an exceptional administrative assistant who was very meticulous and excelled at organization and file management within any office environment. He was recognized not only by his supervisors but also by his co-workers for his skills. Monte could be found at the bingo hall many times a week. We will miss his intriguing life stories, which he would always tell from a humorous point of view. He had a one-of-a -kind style and personality with a very distinctive strut.

LILLIAN MARY BECKER

Lillian Becker, age 67, of Onamia, Minnesota, passed away on January 8, 2024. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the District I Community Center on the Mille lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Lillian Mary Becker was born March 20, 1956, in Sisseton, South Dakota, to Clarence Feather and Gloria Goodteacher. She attended boarding school in Wahpeton with her brothers and sisters, and later in life moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. She had two sons and two daughters, and in June of 1988, Lillian married Elmer Becker in Sisseton, South Dakota. Through their union, they had three daughters.

She loved to go camping any chance she got. She said she would go camping all year long if she could. Lillian loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She loved being a mother and especially a grandmother. Lillian loved cooking, and everyone looked forward to her food. She was always a listening ear for anyone who needed it and was always helping someone if she could. Anyone who knew Lillian knew of her love and loyalty to the Green Bay Packers. Her smile, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed by all.

Lillian is survived by her five daughters, Tanya, Denise, Shauna, Sharon, and Shannon; her two sons, Loren and LaVerne, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Feather and Gloria Goodteacher; her brother, Elmer Feather; her sister, Corrine Feather; and her husband, Elmer Becker.

WAABISHKAANAKWADOOKWE ELOISE ALICE YANEZ

Eloise Alice Yanez, Waabishkaanakwadookwe, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024, at her home near McGregor.

She was born April 6, 1961, in Le Sueur to Roger and Angeline (Boyd Wadena) Colton. She graduated high school and college, earning a bachelor's degree. She worked as a paraprofessional and enjoyed camping, crafts, beading, sewing, knitting, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Torivio Yanez, and brothers Richard Boyd, Francis Colton, and Roger Colton.

Eloise is survived by her sisters, Mary Colton, Rosa Colton (Robert), Alida Colton, and Jennifer Wadena; Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other special relatives, and friends who mourn her passing.

Visitation was held at dusk on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the East Lake Community Center in East Lake, McGregor, until the start of the Tribal Rights Service at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the East Lake Community Center, with Ombishkebines officiating. Burial is in the Big Sandy Lake Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home in McGregor.

GIIWEYAANAKWAD, RUSSELL DANIEL NAYQUONABE

Giiweyaanakwad, Russell Nayquonabe, age 70, passed away on December 16, 2023. Visitation was at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A funeral ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Ombishkebines officiating. Interment was in the Woodland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.District I Community Center

TRAVIS BENJAMIN

Travis James Benjamin, 41, of McGregor, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in HCMC, Minneapolis. He was born January 23, 1982 in Cloquet to Charles Lee Greensky and Lisa (Benjamin) Smekoffke.

Travis is preceded in death by his father Charles Lee Greensky; two sisters, Tara and Tishana.

Travis is survived by his mother Lisa (Benjamin) Smekoffke; three children, Leiah, Tia and Elyra Benjamin; sisters, Andrea Benjamin and Angelique Vos; aunt Sharon Benjamin; uncles, Thomas, Kevin, Maurice and Franklin Benjamin; great aunt, Sweety Carlson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tribal rites were on Saturday, December 2, at 10 a.m. at the East Lake Ceremonial Building, 20696 367th Lane, McGregor. The wake was held at dusk on Friday, December 1 at the East Lake Ceremonial Building. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery, McGregor. Arrangements were with McGregor Funeral Home, McGregor.