Corey Richard Northbird

Corey “Spud” Richard Northbird, “Nigaanigwaan” meaning “Leading Feather”, of the Migizi-Eagle Clan and Cass Lake, MN journeyed to the spirit world on Friday, April 21, 2023, from Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. He was born in Bemidji, MN, on July 9, 1987, the son of Diana Yerbich and Marty Northbird.

Corey enjoyed making people laugh and was known for having a good sense of humor. He enjoyed traveling, all while working various jobs throughout the United States. Corey had worked in construction, from demolition to disaster relief. He also worked as a commercial fisherman in the Bering Sea in Alaska. During his travels, he would frequently keep in contact with his loved ones by sending various photos of where he was currently visiting, selfies, and videos of him talking into the camera as if you’re right there with him. One time Corey called his mother from Times Square just to show off where he was. He enjoyed talking on the phone as well.

Corey had a big heart and was a family man. He decided to follow his mother Diana to Seattle, WA to start a new life. He had purchased a car for himself, however, with moving, he gave his sister Jenny and niece JevanLee the car, as he felt that they needed it more than he did. Corey put his covid money to good use and bought a car for his mom when she needed one also.

Growing up, Corey was involved in various sporting activities; hockey, Tae Kwon Do, bowling, softball, skiing, and boxing. He also enjoyed playing basketball with friends, ricing, and working out. Corey also was into making Ojibwe art and crafts. He had lots of friends who enjoyed his company. While in high school, he and his friends would box against one another to earn the “BK Crown”. Corey went ice fishing with his best friend & brother, Matt Gross often, and the lakes acquired several cell phones that have accidentally gone through their holes.

Corey obtained his diploma through The Youth Build Program in Bemidji, MN and then attended Central Lakes College Brainerd Campus, working toward a degree in Natural Resources Conservation. As a full-time student, working as Culver’s manager, he was also a full-time father to his pride and joy, daughter, Ella Ray Northbird. Corey made an impact on several people’s lives. He always tried to make people laugh with off the wall comments he made. He had a contagious laugh, that alone would cheer anyone up.   

Left behind to carry on Corey’s memory are his daughter, Ella Northbird Miles; parents, Diana Yerbich and Marty Northbird; brothers, Michael, Dylan, and Tony; sisters, Jenny (Jake) Yerbich and Sierra (Andrew) Oquist; nieces, Andie, JevanLee, Riley, and Avery; aunts, Marie Northbird, Barbara Paquin, Darlene Cobenais, Janet Northbird, Pamela Johnson Barsness, Becky (Conrad) Hazeldine, and Elizabeth Pool; uncles, Vernon Northbird, Larry (Vicki) Budd, Terry (Sharon) Johnson, Bruce (Emily) Johnson, and Brian Johnson; numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Welcoming Corey to the spirit world are his grandparents, Ernie and Angeline Northbird, Irene Sherman, Gordon Oxtra; special grandpa, Donald Jacobs; great uncle, Lawrence Adams; step-brother, Brian Northbird; step-dad, Scotty Sawyer; aunt, Carolyn Oxtra; uncle, Mark Oxtra; cousin, Jesse Fairbanks, Des Neiges Pool, Jason Barsness; special cousin, Darryl Northbird; nephew, Daniel “Charlie” May; and dog companion, Misty “Donuts”.

An overnight wake for Corey will begin Friday, April 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. and continue until his Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00 a.m. service, all to be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Cass Lake, MN. Pastor Vinny Roy will officiate. Those helping to lay Corey to rest are Matthew Gross, Jake Seitz, Andrew Oquist, Nathan Hazeldine, Jason Mason, and Brian Johnson. Alternates are Terry Johnson and Bruce Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are all Corey’s family and friends. Interment will be in Porcupine Cemetery in Cass Lake, MN, next to his grandmother, Irene.

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

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