John Joseph Fineday

John Joseph Fineday, “Waagoshiings” which means “Little Fox”, age 69, of Sawyer, Minnesota began his journey to the spirit world on Thursday, October 10th, 2019 from St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.  John was born on January 10th, 1950 in Cass Lake, MN to Agnes Fineday and Robert Fox.

John lived most of his life in Pennington.  He attended Northwest VoTech and received his small engine repair and auto mechanic certificate.  John opened two auto repair shops, one in Cass Lake the other in Minneapolis after he moved there.  He enjoyed working on cars; he liked making them look sharp and fast, by putting the fastest motors in them.  John always had his music playing and his love of dancing led him to become a traditional powwow dancer.  He was a gambler, his favorite game was Keno, but most of all he loved to flirt and dance with all the ladies.  John often bragged about his seven grandchildren to whoever would listen.  He moved to Fond Du Lac, MN, where he married Nita Northrup and lived his last years.

Family that John joins again are his parents Agnes Fineday and Robert Fox; and sisters, Roberta Fox, Barbara Fineday, Peggy Fox and Patricia Jackson.

He is survived by his daughters, Jona Fineday, Lisa Shabaiash and Lori (Kevin) Northrup; sons, Edward LaFave and Codi Brown; sisters, Karyn (Donald) Wind; special niece, Marilyn (Colin Rushman) Wind; his former wife, Nita Fineday, seven grandchildren other relatives and many friends.

An overnight wake for John will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14th at the Sawyer Community Center in Sawyer, MN.  John will then come home to Cass Lake, MN on Tuesday, where a two-night wake will begin at 4:00 p.m. and continue until his 10:00 a.m. traditional service on Thursday, October 17th all being held at the Veterans Memorial Building.  Lawrence “Hank” Kingbird will be his Spiritual Advisor.  Honorary family drum Giiwaydin.  Pallbearers for John will be Codi Brown, Cole Rushman, Dion Fineday, Robert Fineday, Gordon Fineday. Ed LaFave, Dennis Staples, Jr., Rowan White, Alfred Desjarlait and Jordon Northrup.  His honorary pallbearers are Donnie Headbird, Jess Headbird, Melvin Goodman, Brad Blacketter, Ernie Diver, Rick DeFoe and Butch Martineau and all his other friends that we didn’t mention by name.  Interment will be in the Fineday Family Cemetery following his Thursday service.  Family requests no flowers, Miigwitch.

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

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