Mekweniminjig

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The ones who are remembered

**Wanda Weyaus

Asiniikwe, Wanda Weyaus, 82-year-old resident of North St. Paul, passed away on May 4, 2021, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Visitation began at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 7, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, at the District I Community Center with Nazhike officiating. Interment was in St. Therese Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Wanda was born on February 9, 1939, in Pike Bay, MN to Violet and Louis Monchamp Sr. She recently retired after forty years working in the Adult Basic Education Department for Saint Paul Public Schools. Wanda looked forward to going to the casino to play bingo. She liked to spend her time quilting, crocheting, crafting and being with her family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Darrell (Roberta Merrill) Weyaus Sr.; grandchildren, Chelsea Hardy and Darrell Weyaus Jr.; brother, Louis Monchamp Jr.; and many aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Louis Monchamp, Sr.; and many loving relatives.

Nancy Gahbow

Nitamigaabawiikwe, Nancy Gahbow, 52-year-old resident of Minneapolis, MN passed away on April 25, 2021. Visitation will begin at 8 PM on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Funeral Ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Obizaan officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Nitamigaabawiikwe, Nancy Gahbow was born on February 17, 1969 in Onamia, Minnesota to Arthur and Lorena (Mitchell) Gahbow. She was a Big Drum member and enjoyed attending ceremonial pow wows. Her grandchildren were her whole world, and she loved them dearly. Cooking, playing her scratch-offs, and being with family was how Nancy liked to spend her time.

Nitamigaabawiikwe, Nancy is survived by her son, Albert Gahbow; daughter, Dakota Gahbow; grandchildren, Kyla Gahbow, Kyel Gahbow, Kyleah Gahbow; brothers, Kyle Cash, Archie Cash Jr., Pete Gahbow, Erik Gahbow, Jared Gahbow, Tommy Benjamin; sisters, Corrina Cash, Sheena Gahbow, Rayna Gahbow; and many loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lorena (Mitchell) Gahbow; sisters, Tami Gahbow, Alana Gahbow, Ruth Cash, Judy Gahbow, Janet Gahbow; brother, Bill Gahbow.

Jonathan Holmquist

Jonathan Paul Holmquist, 35-year-old resident of Garrison, passed away on April 14, 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 19, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Vineland, with Father Jerry Schik, osc officiating. Visitation was held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe reservation. Interment was in the Garrison Community Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Jonathan Paul Holmquist was born on February 28, 1986, to Rose Marie (Cash) and Thomas Holmquist Sr., in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He attended and graduated from Onamia Schools. Jonathan was currently employed as a pharmacy technician at the Ne-Ia-Shing Clinic. He loved playing his guitar, attending concerts, and cooking, especially with his smoker and BBQ. He was very talented when it came to carpentry and could build almost anything from his favorite park bench to cabinets. He will forever be remembered for the care he showed to family, friends, and his community. May his memory be a blessing.

Jonathan Paul Holmquist is survived by his mother, Rose Marie Holmquist; brothers, Thomas (Andrea) Holmquist, Jr., Sean (Amber) Racelo; sisters, Cheri (Rob) Waytashek, Sara (Jason) Rice; uncle, Dan Holmquist; nieces, Jasmin Sanoski and Kalleigh Holmquist; nephews, Cole Holmquist, Andre Bankey, Myles Racelo, and Liam Racelo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Holmquist, Sr.; uncles, Archie Cash Sr. and Tony Weous, Craig Holmquist; grandparents, Raymond and Wilma Cash, and Rose Bedausky Cash.

Jeremy Schaaf

Jeremy Matthew Schaaf, 41-year-old resident of Onamia, passed away on Wednesday March 31, in Robbinsdale. Jeremy Matthew Schaaf, Mikinaak, was born on January 1, 1980, in Deer River, to Brenda J. Schaaf and Edward Sayers.

He was born on New Years Eve which made him the first born child of 1980 in Deer River. He graduated top honors from Roseville Area High School and thereafter attended University of Minnesota to major in Pre-Architecture and minor in Kinesiology. Jeremy, also known as MN Sage, was multi-talented in many aspects and particularly enjoyed writing, making music, and sharing his ideas and dreams with everyone. Jeremy was an amazing father, and he deeply loved spending quality time with his daughters, RaiLei and Kelia. Jeremy enjoyed traveling and participating in many events that were important to him. Jeremy enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, and he had a magnetic personality about him in which he could turn strangers into his closest friends. Jeremy was a sociable person who appreciated insightful conversation and who had an impeccable smile. He will be greatly missed and loved by all who knew him.

Jeremy Matthew Schaaf is survived by his parents, Edward Sayers and Brenda J. Schaaf; daughters, RaiLei Shaugobay and Kelia Armstrong; brothers, Justin Hopp and Elijah Matrious; sisters, Julia Matrious and Brianna Matrious.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Darlene Fairbanks; grandfathers, Ron Schaaf, Ed Sayers Sr.; uncle, Scott Sayers.

A Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, at the District I Community Center, on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Obizaan officiating. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

Toni Weous

Neyaanakwadookwe, Toni Marie Weous, 22-year-old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in Onamia, MN. Visitation will begin at 5 PM on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Obizaan officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Neyaanakwadookwe, Toni Marie Weous was born on January 3, 1999 in Onamia, Minnesota to Deanna Weous and David Boyd. Toni loved spending her time with her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed making others laugh, playing with her dog Red, and listening to music. Toni was the protector of her sister and loved her mother dearly. She will be greatly missed.

Toni is survived by her loving mother, Deanna Weous; sister, Teri Boyd; brother, Wesley Weous; special niece, Mileena Weous; special sister, Cheyenne Torres of El Paso, TX; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, David Boyd; brother, William “Blacks” Nickaboine; grandparents, Tony and Elleraine Weous, grandmother, Brenda Boyd; and grandfather, Russell Boyd.

Elmer Nayquonabe

Giiweyaanakwad, Elmer Nayquonabe Sr., 70-year-old resident of Onamia, MN, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 am. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Ombishkebines officiating. Visitation began at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the District I Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Arrangements were with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Giiweyaanakwad, Elmer Nayquonabe Sr. was born on September 12, 1950, in Cloquet, Minnesota, to Harriet (Gahbow) and Joe Nayquonabe. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially golfing and deer hunting. Elmer was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Everyone knew he was always prepared to play the moccasin game. Elmer enjoyed traveling to and participating in Drum Ceremonies. Being with all his grandchildren, family, and friends was how Elmer liked to spend his time. He will be greatly missed and loved by all.

Giiweyaanakwad, Elmer Nayquonabe Sr. is survived by his sons, Julian Nayquonabe, Elmer Dean Nayquonabe, Jorel Nayquonabe; daughter, Barb Nayquonabe; brothers, Joseph Nayquonabe, Russell Nayquonabe; sisters, Bonita Nayquonabe, Beverly Nayquonabe, Thelma Nayquonabe, Delia Nayquonabe, Doris Nayquonabe, Caroline Nayquonabe; grandchildren, William, Brenda, Aaron, Adam, Tyler, Thomas, Shaina, Shayla, Josh, Nevaeh, Carli, Dawn, Krista, Brianna, Tia, Aleczander, Janessa; great-grandchildren, Lorenzo, Bruce, Brayden, Marika “Veronica”, George, and Ray-Lee.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda; daughter, Julie; sons, Adam, Bruce; brothers, Victor, Calvin; sisters, Marlene, Ethel, Loretta June, and Trixie.

Edward Hanson

Edward Hanson, 29-year-old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on March 8, 2021. Visitation will begin at 6 PM on Friday, March 12, 2021at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Funeral Ceremony will begin at 10 AM on Saturday, March 13, 2021at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Nazhike officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Edward Goodwin Hanson was born on February 3, 1992 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Earl Hanson Sr. and Bonnie Boyd. He liked to spend his time watching tv, coloring, fishing, and swimming. He is survived by his parents, to Earl Hanson Sr. and Bonnie Boyd; son, Alex; brothers, Earl Jr. and Ernest; sister, Elizabeth; aunt, Shelly; grandparents, Clarence and Irene; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Janet Benjamin

Baabiiyobiikwe, Janet Benjamin, 55-year-old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on February 26, 2021. A visitation was held at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Ombishkebines officiating. Interment is in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Baabiiyobiikwe, Janet Benjamin was born on April 19, 1965, in Onamia, Minnesota, to Evelyn (Weyaus) and Arthur Benjamin. She enjoyed spending her time listening to music, coloring, and watching Lifetime movies on TV. Janet liked to post and connect with others on her Facebook page, being with all the grandkids, and going on rides to visit family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Melissa (Rodney Jr.) Boyd, Krisanne Benjamin, and Rose Killsplenty; sons, Phillip Benjamin Sr., Travis Weyaus, Anthony Weyaus, and Derrick Weyaus Sr.; sister, Sheila Benjamin; brothers, Raymond Benjamin and Bernard Weyous; 25 grandchildren; and 1 great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn (Weyaus) and Arthur Benjamin; grandparents, Joseph and Mary (Littlewolf) Benjamin; son, Daniel Weyaus Sr.; sisters, Betty, Sheryl, and Debra.

Robina Eagle

Opichi Migizi, Robina Lou Eagle, 60 year-old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on February 15, 2021, in Onamia, MN. Visitation will begin at 7 PM on Friday, February 19, 2021, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Funeral Ceremony will begin at 10 AM on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Waagosh officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Opichi Migizi, Robina Lou Eagle was born on March 23, 1960, in Onamia, Minnesota to Delores (Weyaus) and Melvin Allen Eagle Sr. Robina loved spending time with her daughter, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She liked visiting her friends from the Green Acres Trailer Park. Robina enjoyed playing her casino games on her phone but really loved playing at the real casino and she liked doing her crossword puzzles. Robina loved her job working for the Nay Ah Shing Upper School. Her favorite was listening to her Pandora music which she called her “Pandy”.

Opichi Migizi, Robina Lou Eagle is survived by her daughter, Shannon Eagle; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marquita, Yolanda (Mileena, X’zavier, Gabriel) Aaron, Tyler, Joshua, Krista (Lorenzo’Lee, Ray’Lee), Karli, and Janessa; sisters, Janice Dorr, Pamela Eagle, Rosella Eagle, Angeline Eagle, and Sheila Benjamin; brothers, Brian Eagle and Roy Eagle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delores (Weyaus) and Melvin Allen Eagle Sr.; brothers, Melvin Duane Eagle Jr. and James Dorr; sisters, Rosemary Dorr, Elizabeth Dorr, Melvina Eagle, Annabelle Eagle, and Victoria Eagle; nephews, Thomas Eagle and Daniel Weyaus.

Lynelle Brooks

Nazhike-awaasanookewe, Lynelle Marie (Northbird) Brooks, 35-year-old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on February 8, 2021 in Onamia, MN. A Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Obizaan officiating. Visitation began at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Interment was in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements were with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Nazhike-awaasanookewe, Lynelle was born on April 29, 1985 in Duluth, Minnesota to Darryl Northbird and Tammi Gahbow. She enjoyed being with her family especially her boys. Taking care of her friends and discovering new places to eat was how she liked to spend her time. Lynelle was Mide, danced jingle dress, and attended pow wows across the country. She will be missed by all.

Nazhike-awaasanookewe is survived by her sons, Aidden and Freeman; brothers, Spud and Lance; sisters, Skye, Arianna, Brittany, Allaurah, Devon, Julia, and Demery; auntie, Corrina; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Tami; and her grandmother, Lorena ”Panji” Gahbow.

Joycelyn Shingobe

Biidwewekwe, Joycelyn Marie Shingobe, 69-year-old resident of Garrison, MN passed away on January 25, 2021, at the Saint Cloud Hospital in Saint Cloud,. A Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 29, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Obizaan officiating. Visitation began at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Interment was in Woodland Burial Grounds.

Biidwewekwe, Joycelyn Marie Shingobe, was born on January 4, 1952, in Cloquet, Minnesota, to Joseph and Susan (Mitchell) Shingobe. She received her associate degree at Brainerd Community College and a bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies from Metropolitan State University. She later received her Master’s in Tribal Administration & Governance (MTAG) from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Biidwewikwe was a skilled orator and preservationist of Ojibwe history and culture, with an emphasis on The Mille Lacs Band history, past, present, and future. A skilled craftswoman, she remembers her time spent with her Grandmother, Jenny Mitchell, and Cecilia Dorr as the inspiration and beginnings for her continued artistry and further contributions to her fellow Anishinaabeg. Biidwewekwe began her career in education working for Head Start, and throughout her professional career, she remained a champion for education for young and old. Eventually, she was appointed the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Commissioner of Education, where she oversaw the Band’s educational programs and services. A true leader in her community Joycelyn always advocated for education from Early Head Start to Higher Education and donated to various charities. She was Mide and a Drumkeeper. She made moccasins for all kinds of ceremonies, even shared her talent with those willing to learn.

Joycelyn enjoyed beading, quilting, and proudly assisted her son Jourdaine with traditional harvesting such as ricing and maple sapping. She liked to spend her time reading, attending various ceremonies, being with family, and keeping up with the WWE on TV. Joycelyn loved to celebrate birthdays and holidays with family by going all-out with food and creating a memorable feast for everyone. She loved the birds and made sure she always had birdseed to fill up her bird feeders around her house and caring for her cats.

Biidwewekwe is survived by her mother, Susan M. Shingobe; sons, John Benjamin and Jourdaine Wedll; daughters, LeAnn (Mark Solis) Benjamin and Lorelei (Ernest) Boyd; grandchildren, Heather, Amber, and Joseph; great-granddaughter, Nyah; brother, Kelvin Shingobe Sr.; sister, Charlene Shingobe; and many loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Shingobe; brother, Kenneth Mitchell Sr.; grandparents, Sam and Jenny Mitchell; and special nieces, Kelly Mitchell and Justine Shingobe.

Carleen Benjamin

Carleen Benjamin ”Giiwitaasekwe” died on Friday, January 22, 2021 at her home. She was 64 years old.

Carleen, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, was born in Siren, WI to James and Nina (Sutton) Benjamin. Throughout her life she lived in Sandstone and Lake Lena and worked in maintenance tech and was a prep cook. She enjoyed gambling, spending time with her grandchildren and family, going to thrift stores and putting puzzles together. She was a wonderful lady who was respected in the community. She would help anyone and had a smile we will all remember.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Nina; her brothers, Richard and Ken; and her sisters, Hildred, Dora, Emma and Beatrice.

Carleen is survived by her children, Dawn Roseland, Virgil Benjamin, Shawn Benjamin, and Candice Benjamin; her sisters, Judy, Laurie, Eileen and Roberta; her brothers, Clifford and Randy; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her grandson that she cared for as if he were her own son, Baby Brett.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Aazhoomog Community Center with Skip Churchill officiating. Visitation will begin on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 6:30 P.M. also at the center. Casketbearers are Dalton Roseland, Colton Benjamin, Joe Thompson, Scott Matrious, Larry Staples and Shannon Thomas. Burial will be at Stevens Lake Cemetery.

Ralph Pewaush

Ralph Pewaush, ”Zaagajiw,” age 86, a resident of Webster, passed away on January 12, 2021.

Ralph was born in Cloquet, Minnesota on November 8, 1934 to Jack and Eliza Pewaush.

Ralph married the love of his life Delores Bearheart on July 20, 1954.

Ralph spent his life teaching Ojibwe at the LCO College, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and the St. Croix Tribal Center. He also served as a ceremonial Drumkeeper. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, feeding the birds and squirrels, and harvesting medicine.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Eliza; daughters, Diana Pewaush and Mona Martin; infant grandson, Jason; grandsons, Anthony Jr, and Nathan; brothers, Donald Pewaush, Sr., Melvin Pewaush, Emery Pewaush, Charlie Pewaush; sisters, Laura Ann Bullchild and Virginia Bullchild; and uncle, Clifford.

He is survived by his wife, Delores; children, Tony (Crystle Bosin) Pewaush, Lorne (Laurel Sutton) Pewaush, Jackie (David) Shabaiash and Curtis Pewaush; grandchildren, Davien, Diana, Samual, Autumn, Tina, Melvin, Jessica, Nicole, Katelyn, Tyler, Cody, Lisa, Brian, and Derek Lee; along with many great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Loretta Smith

Bagamaanakwadookwe, Loretta Smith, 73-year-old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Ombishkebines officiating. Visitation began at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Interment was in the Indian Point Burial Grounds. Arrangements were with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Bagamaanakwadookwe, Loretta Smith was born on July 15, 1947 in Cloquet, Minnesota to Joe and Harriet (Gahbow) Nayquonabe. She enjoyed shopping, especially at thrift stores, and watching the grandkids. Loretta liked to spend her time cooking, collecting various cookbooks, watching the MN Vikings, and her soaps on TV. She will be dearly missed by all.

Bagamaanakwadookwe is survived by her husband, David Smith Jr.; sons, David Smith, III, Elliot Smith; daughters, Elizabeth Smith, Lydia Smith; brothers, Joe Nayquonabe Sr., Elmer Nayquonabe, Russell Nayquonabe; sisters, Bonita Nayquonabe, Beverly Nayquonabe, Delia Nayquonabe; grandchildren, Amber, Samual, Daniel, Hunter, Charles, Elvis, Sunshine, Keith, Sebastian, Dylan Jr., Malerie, Leroy, Ethan, Tyres, Jasmine, Brody, Alex; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Emma, Henry, Christopher, Addyson, Ceaira, Deandre, Caden, Jaden, Lilyann, Elijah, Carter, Andreyah, Andre
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Harriet (Gahbow) Nayquonabe; daughters, Lisa and Tina; son, Christopher; brother, Victor; granddaughter, Chelsie.

Mathew Cash

Netamiigaabaw, Mathew Thomas Cash, 31-year-old resident of Brainerd, MN passed away on January 7, 2021. A Funeral Ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 11, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Skip Churchill officiating. Visitation began at 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Interment was in the Woodland Burial Grounds. Arrangements were with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.

Netamiigaabaw, Mathew Thomas Cash was born on December 18, 1989 in Brainerd, Minnesota to Elaine Sam and Kyle Cash. He enjoyed being with his children and family. Mathew liked to spend his time outdoors, listening to music, and posting on social media. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Netamiigaabaw, Mathew Thomas Cash is survived by his mother, Elaine Sam; father, Kyle Cash; sons, Emilio Cash, Dominic Cash, and Nation Cash; daughters, Jurnee Chapel, and Evianna Cash; brother, Nicholas Cash Sr.; sisters, Shannon Eagle, Samantha Cash, and Kayla Cash; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Melissa Cash; grandparents, Lorena Gahbow, and Archie Cash Sr.