Michael "MJay" John Bellanger

Michael “MJay” John Bellanger, “Maiingan” which means “Wolf” young age of 35, of the Bear Clan and lifelong resident of Cass Lake, Minnesota passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 7, 2018.  Michael was born on Cass Lake, MN on March 4, 1983, the son of Helen Carlson and James Bellanger.

Michael had a huge sense of humor.  He loved to make people laugh and smile, always lighting up a room with his presence, regardless of how much pain he was in.  He had a heart of gold and cared for everyone who crossed his path.  Some of Michael’s favorite things were cruising the back roads listening to his music, sight seeing in the wilderness and watching the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.  Michael liked to sing, cook, do crosswords, build model cars and beading but his most favorite thing was being around his family and loved ones.  Just being surrounded by family meant more to him than anything.  He fought the long fight with his illness and he will forever be remembered for his strength and courage.

Family that Michael is reunited with are his grandparents; Frank Raisch, Sr., Patsy Headbird and Bill and Pearl Carlson, uncles; Les “Gooman” Headbird, David and James Carlson, Augie Bellanger and Gordon Curt Headbird, aunties; Carol Norcross, Gloria Headbird and Karen Raisch, cousins; Joseph Rueter and Patric Bellanger and family friend; Sharon Enjady.

Those he leaves behind are his son; Warrior James Boswell, mother; Helen Carlson of Walker, father; James Bellanger of Cass Lake, fiancé and love of his life; Gahshi Roper, brothers; James Anderson of Prior Lake, Sheldon Smith of Red Lake, Patrick (Jeannie) Warner, Sr. of Bena, Arnie and Melvin Bellanger of Cass Lake and Waylon Ogema of Cass Lake, sisters; Angela Steiner of Grand Forks, and Yvonne Bellanger of Walker, special nephew and namesake; Jonathan Michael, step-mother; Cecelia Ogema, step-children; Steven Josie and Jaymz Bruce, Larissa Dunn and Mikayla Jones, aunties; Carol Blue, Jodie, Lana and Ruth Bellanger, Barb and Connie Carlson,  uncles; Frank (Sommer) Raisch, Jr. and Joe Bellanger and Edward Whitefeather, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A wake for Michael will begin at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 12th, and continue until his funeral services at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 14th all being held at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Cass Lake, MN.  Father George Ross will officiate.  Pallbearers for Michael are Silas Blue, Steven Bruce, Jr., Richard “Shine” Smith, Tom Adams, Bryan LaGou, Randolph “Buck” Headbird, Pat Warner and Arnie Bellanger.  His honorary pallbearers are Travis Raisch, Frank Raisch, Robert “Ole” Carlson, Sr., Tyler Wind, Kiefer Graves, Curtis Morris, Rodney Headbird and Derek Winslow.  Interment will be in Prince of Peace Cemetery following Michael’s Friday services.

Michael’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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