Henry "Hank" Joseph Wakonabo III

Henry Joseph “Hank” Wakonabo III, “Gaa bidikwed” meaning “The One Who Rumbled Deeply", age 66, of the Bear Clan and Inger, MN, journeyed to the spirit world on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. He was born on January 15, 1957, in Cass Lake, MN, the son of Thea (Ogema) and Henry John Wakonabo, Jr.

Hank grew up in the Inger area and graduated from Deer River High School. Hank was able to enjoy a special road trip to California with his brother, Gordy, otherwise he only travelled between Inger and Cass Lake. He had a great sense of humor and was always picking on his grandkids. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, playing slots at the casino, and Holidays with the entire family at Mary Rushman’s. Hank liked watching baseball on tv and reading a good book before bed. Before Hank’s amputation, he was always out walking around, as he loved to go for a walk. He was a rabbit snarer, deer hunter, ricer, and a bough picking/slayer. He had fun playing softball in a “beer league”. Henry was a shy guy and kept close to family. He made the best “Hangover Soup” and was known for it. He was a very kind and genuine man and would go out of his way to help others. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him.

Those welcoming Hank to the spirit world are his parents, Thea and Henry, Jr.; brothers, Roger, Joseph, and Richard Wakonabo; sister, Sharon Wakonabo; and nephew, Shawn Guinn.

Hank leaves behind his Ex-wife, Mary Rushman; sons, Henry Jordan (Lisa) Wakonabo IV, Roger Wakonabo; daughters, Rose Rushman, Marilyn (Allison) Wakonabo, Grace (Justin) Wakonabo, Jamie Wakonabo, Candace (Landon) Wakonabo, Lorena Wakonabo; brothers, Gordon (Tess) and Jerome Wakonabo; sisters, Roberta Wakonabo, Janice (Simon) Garbow; special granddaughters, Tasheen (Peter) Richardson, Malia Robinson; special grandson, Tyrell Wakonabo; 43 grandchildren with 2 on the way; and 8 great-grandchildren.

An overnight wake for Hank will begin Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. and continue until his Sunday, April 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. service, all to be held at the Inger Community Center in Inger, MN. Adrian Liberty is Hank’s Spiritual Advisor. Those helping to lay Hank to rest are Derrick Cloud, Marvin Bowstring, Joseph Guinn, Francis Guinn, Brian Wakonabo, and Darrin “DJ” Wakonabo. Alternates will be Simon Crum-Garbow, Johnathan Putski-Wakonabo, Valarian Kingbird, and Jim Bowstring. Honorary pallbearers are all Henry’s grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Interment will be in the Inger Cemetery in Inger, MN following services.

Hank’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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