David Allen Staples, Sr., “Mishwa Gekek”, which means “Redtail Hawk”, age 51, of Cass Lake, MN, began his spiritual journey on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.  He was born on October 24, 1965 in Bemidji, the son of Charles R. Staples, Jr. and Evelyn (Clark) Thompson. 

David grew up and attended school in Minneapolis before moving to Cass Lake in the late 1980’s.  He enjoyed playing basketball, going golfing, fishing, attending pow-wows, going to the casino and spending time with his family.  Over the years David worked for Leech Lake Housing where he did numerous jobs such as demolition, laborer and being a delivery driver.  He also worked for Leech Lake Gaming and had different positions like security, custodial work and maintenance. David’s last position found him taking down the old Eagle View hotel in Cass Lake.  He and his wife Amy were united in marriage on October 25, 2011 in Cass Lake.  He looked forward to having social time with his family which made it hard for David to go to bed.  David was very proud of the fact that he had numerous children and grandchildren and would light up every time he talked about that fact.  His wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

The family that David joins again are his parents; Charles and Evelyn, his brother; Ron Staples, and twin boys; Mark and Morgan.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his wife; Amy (Lindee) Staples, brothers and sisters; Duane Clark, Charles R. Staples III, Michael Staples, Scott Staples, Cheryl Staples, Richard Staples, Bonnie Beaulieu, Debbie Kingbird, and Paul Lindom, children; Rachel Hamilton, Carmin Hamilton, Melissa Smith, Brittney Staples, David Staples, Jr., Corey Staples, Jordan Staples, Taylor Staples and Quetita Staples, 14 grandchildren, numerous relatives and friends.

A wake for David will begin at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2017 and will continue until the 11:00 a.m. service on Saturday, March 25, all held at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Cass Lake.  Mike Swan will be his spiritual advisor.  Pallbearers for David will be Duane Clark, Arthur Lindee, Daniel “Boomer” Jackson, Shawn Goodman, Sr., Timothy Adams, Thomas Adams, Ed Fisher and David Staples, Jr.  Alternate pallbearer is Maurice Bolin.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Lindee and the Staples family.  Interment will be held in the Goodman Family Cemetery in Cass Lake following the service.

David’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