Mille Lacs Messenger

Alisa Ann (Gangestad) Rakow was born in Brainerd, Minnesota on April 10, 1951. She was the daughter of Kenneth and Leona (DeRosier) Gangestad. After high school, she attended vocational school and spent most of her career helping her husband Robert Rakow operate their construction business. She will be missed by her husband of 53 years, Bob; daughter Rishona (Cory) Hendricks; son Jason Rakow; grandchildren, Dr. Ashley (Blake) Alguire, Courtney (Brad) Laudanskas, Rylan Rakow, Cody Rakow; siblings, Brenda (Robert) Peterson, Cynthia (Brian) Bachmann, Dudley (Kathy) Gangestad, Emma Rademacher, Felix Gangestad, Greg Gangestad, Holly (Terry) Wendland, Ilene (Gaylin) Smith, Julie (Jeff) Hardy and...

Roland Philip Berg, age 82, of Isle, Minnesota passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022 at the Mille Lacs Health Care Center in Onamia, Minnesota. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 2:00PM at Faith Lutheran Church in Isle, Minnesota with Rev. Josh Blair officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Ogilvie, Minnesota at a later date. Roland is survived by his spouse, Dee of 62 years, his brother David (Dianne), sons Mike (Gloria) and Danny (Jill), grandchildren Derek, Krystyna, Lizzy, and Evelyn, and great Grand-daughter Cecelia, and many nephews, nieces, and extended family....

Donna "Gloria" DeFeyter died on Sunday July 31, 2022 at Mille Lacs Health System Long Term Care in Onamia, Minnesota. She was 90 years old. Funeral services for Gloria will at 12 noon on Monday August 8, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church, Isle, Mn. with visitation l hour before. Rev. Josh Blair will officiate and Carolyn Nutt will provide music. Burial will take place at Holden Cemetery following the luncheon. Gloria was born in McGrath Minnesota on July 4, 1932 to Raleigh "Blacky" and Martha Laswell of McGrath Minnesota. She attended K through 12 schools in McGrath and graduated in the spring of 1950. Gloria met Robert DeFeyter while living in McGrath, married September 30, 1950 and moved...

Miskwanakwadookwe, Vala Eagle, age 30, passed away on July 30, 2022. Visitation will begin at 8 PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation, with Nazhike officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. Miskwanakwadookwe, Vala Marie Eagle was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 27, 1992, to Valerie Bellcourt and Melvin "Rufus" Eagle Jr. She was adopted by her grandparents, Melvin Sr. and Delores...

Raymond Fredrick Pike, 88, of Isle, MN, died Monday, July 25, 2022 at Bethany Nursing Home in Fargo, ND. Raymond Fredrick Pike was born January 17, 1934 in Austin, Minnesota. Raymond is the son of Harold and Lillian (Baker) Pike. He attended Austin High School in Austin, Minnesota. Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and proudly served his country for 20+ years. He was honorably discharged on July 1, 1971. Raymond was married to his beloved wife, Phyllis Root, on November 3, 1954 in Richfield, Minnesota. They were married for 44 years. They were stationed in many places including Spain and Germany. After they retired, they moved back to Minnesota and raised their...

Wanda Kay Misquadace, "Zhaa-ga-ji-wii-gaa-ba-wiikwe" 65, of Big Sandy-McGregor, passed away Monday, July 25, 2022 at her home. She was born March 9, 1957 in Cloquet to Walter Misquadace and Agnes (Martin) Chief. Wanda graduated from Central High and enjoyed painting, coloring, playing online games, daily phone conversations with her daughter, Samantha and spending time with her family and friends. Wanda will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Agnes Chief and Walter Misquadace; brothers, Walter, Jr., Bradley and Bryan Misquadace and Keith Dahlberg; nephews, Wesley and Brandon. Wanda is survived by her daughter, Samantha Misquadace of Cold...

Aazhoowanang, Christina Boyd, 36-year-old resident of Onamia, MN, passed away on July 24, 2022. Visitation will begin at 7 PM on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Baabiitaw officiating. Interment will be in the Boyd Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. Aazhoowanang, Christina Marie Boyd was born on June 13, 1986, in Onamia, Minnesota, to Donald Boyd and Deanna Sam. She loved spending time with her daughter, Raquel. Christina enjoyed listening to music,...

Stanley "Stan" Mickelson died on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at his home in rural Isle. He was 73 years old. Stanley (Stan) Robert Mickelson was born in Mora, MN on November 3, 1948 to Oliver and Adeline Mickelson of McGrath, MN. He attended McGrath school and graduated in 1966. He began working at Prudential Insurance and lived in South Minneapolis. In April of 1968, Stan proudly entered the United States Navy. He served on USS Somers DDG 34 during the Vietnam War. He continued his service until honorably discharged on April 4th, 1972. He went to work for Onan and lived in Moundsview, MN. In 1974, Stan returned to Isle, worked at Lakeside Motors for Gunnard and Agnes Hornquist, and started...

Stacy Helmin found her peace surrounded by family, on July 22, 2022, after a sixteen-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Fellowship will begin at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Holy Cross Center in Onamia, MN with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery near Hillman, MN. Stacy was born on October 2, 1981, in Mankato, Minnesota to Don and Lisa Nicholas. She was united in marriage on June 5, 2004, to Matt Helmin. Stacy would consider her greatest life accomplishment to be her children, Joseph and Raegan. Stacy is survived by her husband, Matt; their children, Joseph and Raegan; parents, Don and Lisa Nicholas; sisters, Jill...

Janet Ann Taylor, formerly of Isle, MN, died on Monday, July 18, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. She was 75 years old. Janet was born in Shakopee, Minnesota to John and Doris (Doty) Taylor on January 30, 1947. Janet lived, worked and raised her family in the Wahkon-Isle area before moving to Kentucky to be closer to family. She worked at Lindey Little Joes before going to work at the Wahkon Municipal Liquor store, she later went to work for the Isle Municipal liquor store until her retirement at the age of 62. She will be remembered as a kind and loving soul to everyone that knew her. She was a very giving person and always had a smile for everyone. She enjoyed her family,...

Donna Mae Pengra died on July 16, 2022 at Mille Lacs Health Systems in Onamia. She was 92 years old. Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Pengra; her parents, Carl and Fern Hartke; her daughters, Peggy Sipe and Debi Kohlgraf. She is survived by her son, Gregg Steward; her grandson, Eric Sipe; her brother, Tom Hardtke; her step-children, Tim (Jeanne) Pengra; Cher (Jim) Bowe and Jeff (Cindy) Pengra as well as other grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private service will be held at a later date.

Manidookwe, Virginia Davis age 76 passed away on July 11, 2022. Visitation will begin at 8 PM on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Community Center on the Mille lacs Reservation. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10 AM on Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Community Center on the Mille lacs Reservation with Nazhike officiating. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery. Manidookwe, Virginia Joyce Davis was born on May 19, 1946, in Cloquet, Minnesota, to Emma (Jekey) and John Davis. She enjoyed spending her time doing crossword puzzles and going to the casino. Virginia had fond memories of days spent fishing and camping. She loved being with...

Gary Bell, Age 83 of Isle, died July 5, 2022 of natural causes. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Gary is survived by his step-children; Sherri (Bill) Jarvis, Tom Purmort, Lynne (Kenny) Orlando. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren; Nephew Gordy (Inga Holcomb) Bergquist. He was preceded in death by his wife; Jeanie Bell and parents; Esther Olson and Oscar Bell. He was born on June 2,1939 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Gary grew up in California where he spent time in the Army. After his service in the Army, he held a position in sales and met and married his wife, Jeanie. When he and Jeanie retired they moved to Isle to enjoy their new life and to be with family. He...

Dan J. Perlberg, 78, of Garrison, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Whitefish At The Lakes, Crosslake. He was born on November 1, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI to David and Myrtle (Tessmann) Perlberg. Dan graduated from Wisconsin Academy in 1962. After high school, Dan served in the Navy from 1963 -1967 and spent time on the USS Rigel (AF58). After his time in the Navy and working as a roofer in WI, Dan and his family moved to Minnesota. Dan was an avid fisherman who made his passion his work by chartering fishing trips on Mille Lacs Lake for many years. One of the things Dan always looked forward to was his fall fishing trip with his brother, Dave. In the fishing off season, Dan and Joan...

Dennis E. Holbert, age 83, of Key West, FL died on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Memorial Service for Dennis Holbert will be at 2:00PM on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church, Isle, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in the Foster Cemetery, Cove, MN, followed by a celebration of life at Izatys Ballroom. Arrangements are with Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN. Dennis Earl Holbert was born on May 23, 1939 in Isle, MN to Ben and Orphie (Wilkes) Holbert. He was active in sports growing up and graduated from Isle High School with his beloved "class of 57". He is considered an all time Isle basketball star,...

Neegonigobo, Henry Bonga, Jr. age 85 of Breezy Point, MN died on June 29, 2022. Visitation will begin at 7 PM on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10 AM on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Nazhike officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds. Neegonigobo, Henry Bonga Jr. was born on December 5, 1936, to Caroline and Henry Bonga Sr. Since the 1970's Hank Bonga has been working tirelessly to advance American Indians. From his work at American Indian Centers in Detroit and Chicago, to writing (and...

Jack N. Spetz, 75, of Aitkin, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 in North Memorial Health Hospital, Robbinsdale. He was born March 26, 1947 in Moose Lake to George and Ruth (Erickson) Spetz. Jack was united in marriage to Paula Eckenberg on June 1, 1968 in St. Louis Park. Jack was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, playing pickle ball and the lake life. Jack and Paula enjoyed vacationing at Tybee Island, Georgia where Jack ocean fished. Jack especially enjoyed watching his grandkids play hockey and lacrosse. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jack is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jennifer Eckers; 2 brothers, Jim and Jerry...

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann (Wollum) Gilleen was born May 23, 1942 in Brainerd, Minnesota to Robert and Dorothy (Elliason) Wollum. She spent her first years in Red Top and Anoka, Minnesota. The family then moved to Coon Rapids, where Kathy grew up and attended school. She graduated from Anoka High School in 1960. Kathy raised her two children, Jon and Mary in Ham Lake. She was a homemaker for many years, and later went back to school at Anoka Technical College, graduating with her Associate's Degree in 2000. Following this, she worked for several years as a medical transcriptionist. Kathy was also a guest columnist for the Mille Lacs Messenger for several years. She resided in Coon Rapids from...

Toni Lynn (Sagataw) Doust, 56-year-old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on June 12, 2022. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2 PM on Thursday, 16, 2022, at the District 1 Community Center on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe reservation. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. Toni Lynn (Sagataw) Doust was born in Neenah, Wisconsin on November 24, 1965, to Edgar and Charlotte Sagataw. She enjoyed being around her family and friends, listening to rock & roll, playing her guitars, winning on her scratch-offs, and being with her pets. She was there for anyone who needed her. She had the biggest heart and was loved by everyone who met her. Toni is survived by...

William George Van Risseghem, 80, died Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Martin Luther Manor in Bloomington, MN, in the care of his family. He was a lifelong Catholic, a member at St. John the Baptist in New Brighton near his home in Fridley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN, with Father Jerry Schik officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Bill was born March 21, 1942, in Onamia, MN, to Ruth (Anderson) and Maurice Van Risseghem. He attended District 40 Elementary School and Onamia High School, except for the days he played "hooky"...

Joan Lavonne Perlberg (AKA The Chicken Coop Lady) was born Joan Carlson to Henry and Minnie Carlson Sept. 27th 1940. She passed quietly in Crosslake on June 7th 2022 after a short battle with pneumonia. She pioneered the field of country boutiques in the early 70s using a converted chicken coop at their new farm property in Dayton MN. Her love for crafts, crafting, antiques and Walleye fishing continued with her marriage to the love of her life, Dan Perlberg (AKA Charter Dan) in the mid-90s. They lived together in Garrison where she also enjoyed her "Golden Girls" Get togethers. Joan passed just one week after he did. She did not want to be without him. Joan was preceded in death by son Ross...