Thomas James Chase

Thomas James Chase, 49, of Bena, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at the Cass Lake Indian Health Services Hospital.  He was born on July 4, 1969 at the Cass Lake IHS, the son of Marilyn Chase and Gary Hanson, Sr.

Tom was an amazing son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.  He enjoyed the outdoors, going to the casino, teasing, laughing and spending time with family and friends.  Tom was always filled with joy and had a great laugh.  He could brighten a room with just his smile.  Tom was very protective of his family.  Anyone and everyone loved him in a heartbeat.  Tom graduated in the class of 1989 from Cass Lake High School.  After high school he worked at the Northern Lights Casino, the White Oak Casino, Leech Lake Housing, a roofer, a hot raker and a multiple time heart breaker.  Marilyn Joy Hanson II, his niece and “his boss”, had her uncle wrapped around her finger.

He is preceded in death by his mother; Marilyn Joy Hanson, brother; Gary Lee Hanson, Jr., and numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives.

He leaves behind his children; Caleb “Bro” Chase and Kayla Duoos, his father; Gary Hanson, Sr., sisters; Crystal (Gil) Hanson, Kathy (Todd) Hanson and Shelly Hanson, special brother; “Del” Matthews, grandchildren; Tate and Nash Cloud, (mom/aunt; Hazel) and many other relatives and friends whose hearts he touched with his presence.

An overnight wake for Tom will begin at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 28th and continue until his 10:00 a.m. traditional service on Friday, March 1st all to be held at the Bena Community Center in Bena, MN.  David Northbird will be the Drum Group.  Pallbearers for Tom will be Arthur “Stink” Chase, Ronnie Joe Staples, Joe “Weasel” Chase, Ken White, Del Matthews, Rick O’Brien, Mike “Mongo” Allen and David Chase.  His honorary pallbearers are all his family and friends.  Interment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery at Bena, MN.  Following his burial, all are welcome to Tom’s Farewell Party at the Big Winnie Bar in Bena, MN.

Tom’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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