Arthur Bijah Chase, Sr. age 80 of the Bear Clan, of Bena, Minnesota, began his spiritual journey on March 13, 2017 from CLIHS, Cass Lake, Minnesota. He was born June 29, 1936 in Cass Lake Minnesota, the son of Tillie (Whitecloud) Chase and Walter Chase, Sr.

The name Arthur means bear, and in many ways Arthur Bijah Chase was like a bear. From birth, he was connected with nature. He loved fishing, trapping, leeching, gardening, and walking. If he was outside, he was happy. Arthur was fiercely protective of his family. He loved us. His love usually showed itself through his actions and generosity. He said, “I love you” with gifts of fish, vegetables, wild rice, and at times with his words. He was a natural storyteller, and his memory will continue as his loved ones share his stories.

The family that Arthur joins again are his wife; Valentine Chase, his parents; Walter Everett Chase, Sr. and Tillie Chase, brothers; Donald Chase, David Chase and Harry Chase, sisters; Lena Chase, Marilyn Hanson, Leona Chase and grandson; Jimmy Chase.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are sons; James (Debbie) Chase, Arthur (Sue) Chase, Jr., Joseph Chase, David (Laurie) Chase, daughters; Roberta (Roy) Matthews, Valerie Chase, Tillie (Mike) Roderick, Ursala (Philip) Pankonin, Shanda Chase, Samantha Chase, brothers; Walter (Nadine) Chase, Joseph (Sharon) Chase, Gerry Chase, sisters; Hilda Beaulieu, Hazel Zimple, grandsons; Jeremy, Andrew, William, Jesse, Arlan, Joseph, Jamie, Jerrod, Justin, Quint,Dyllan, Dustin, David, Jr. Conan, granddaughters; Melissa, Shawntay, Erin, Angelia, Jennifer, Lisa Ann, Clarissa, Isabelle, Geneva, Amanda, Earth.

A wake for Arthur will begin at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday March 15 and continue until his 11:00 a.m. service Thursday March 16, 2017 all being held at the Bena Community Center, Bena, Minnesota. Lenny Fineday will officiate. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Bena Minnesota, following the service. Pallbearers for Arthur will be; William Chase, Jeremy Chase, Andy Chase, Dusty Chase, Dylan Chase, Joseph Chase, David Chase, Jr., and Jamie Chase. Honorary pallbearers will be: Roberta Matthews, Valerie Chase, Tillie Roderick, Ursala Pankonin, Shanda Chase, Samantha Chase, James Chase, Arthur Chase,Jr.,  Joseph Chase, and David Chase.

Arthur’s care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be given at www.northernpeace.com