Denzel Wayne Smith

Denzel Wayne Smith, age 15, “Bakite o’ow Migiziwan” meaning “Strikes The Eagle” of Bemidji, MN journeyed to the spirit world on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from the Sanford’s Children’s Hospital in Fargo, ND. Denzel was born in Bemidji, MN, on April 26, 2007, the son of Regina (Tucker) and Dennis Smith, Sr.

Denzel loved going on family vacations, playing Fortnite, spending time with his brothers and sisters, and hanging out with friends. He enjoyed riding his bike, playing basketball, family cookouts and making s’mores. Denzel had a big, beautiful smile and the cutest dimples. He was an adventurous, daredevil young man. “He wasn’t the kid that ran up and hugged you when you entered the room, he was the kid whose eyes lit up and you could see it in face that he was excited you were there.” Denzel will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Denzel are his dad, Dennis (Lavonne) Smith, Sr.; foster mother, Bethany Reese; brothers, Dennis Smith, Jr., Melvin Durant III, Eli Durant, TrayVaughn Lee, Kaydin Lee, Kyros Johnson; sisters, Tenisha Kuck, Ruzzina, Mary Jo (Ben), Natoria , Isabelle, Denelle and Nevaeh Smith, Brenda Hunt, Deja Durant; grandmothers, Lana Tucker and Sue McMurrin; grandpa, Richard Decorah; close cousin, G. Jean Beaulieu; aunties, Stephanie Raygoza-Garcia, Shirley (Norman) Kingbird, Jade (Chelsea) Finn, Andrea Reese, Crystal (Gerald) Hunt-Welch, Patty Clark, Phyllis “Choc” Hunt; uncles, Keith Tucker, Todd (Anna) Smith, Richard Clark; and numerous other family members and friends.

Those greeting Denzel in the spirit world are his mother, Regina Smith; grandma, Mary Jo Smith; grandpas, Clyde Monroe and Eli Hunt; uncle, Russell Tucker; cousin, Vanessa Smith; and numerous great aunts, uncles and other family members.

A two-night wake for Denzel will begin Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. and continue until his Monday, August 8, 2022, 1:00 p.m. service all to be held at the Onigum Community Center, in Onigum, MN. Father William “Bill” Butcher and Father Matthew Cobb will officiate. Those helping to lay Denzel to rest are Dennis Smith, Jr., Trey Kingbird, Osmund Hunt, Jaymz “JB” Bruce, Devry Smith, Kaydin Lee, Dauntay Cloud, and TrayVaughn Lee. Alternate pallbearers are Benjamin Beaulieu, Devin Smith, Anthony Lorave, Kingsly Whitebird, Trevor Kingbird, Mariano Adams, and Dedric Jackson. Honorary pallbearers are all his family and friends. Interment will be in Old Agency Catholic Cemetery in Old Agency, MN.

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

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