John Joseph Kingbird, Jr.

John Joseph Kingbird, Jr., “Anzhikegaabawi” meaning “He stands alone”, was born March 4, 1951 in a log cabin in Inger, Minnesota.   John grew up in upper Minnesota.  He lived with his family at times in lumber and fishing camps and had many happy memories of this time with family.  John attended High School in Goodrich, MN.  He then attended Trade School for auto body, welding and business administration.

John was employed at Water Heater Innovations where he worked as a product controller and lived in St. Paul, MN for 23 years.  He retired in 2012 from Cass Lake Schools where he worked as a Custodian.

John was very proud of his Native Heritage.  He always greeted Native people everywhere with “Aaniin”. He was friendly to everyone.  He had a great love for family.  John loved his children and grandchildren and was very proud of them.  He loved to tell fun stories about his children and grandchildren when they were young.  Johns last years were filled with pure joy taking care of his youngest grandchild Orion. 

John loved to go to auctions, thrift shops, and garage sales.  He had a great eye for finding treasures. 

John passed away at home in Bemidji, MN on April 6, 2021.  He is survived by the love of his life Rita.  His sons; Galyn (Julie) Kingbird, John (Darilyn) Kingbird III, his daughters; Melanie Kingbird (Tom), Nicolle (Michael) Carlson, Misty (Mark) Richardson, grandchildren; Samantha, Laya, Paris, Jordon, Andrea, John IV, Orion, Lance, Jacob, TJ, Ariella, Hunter, Zachary and Amelia, four sisters; Beverly Cloud, Andrea (Dave) Rosebear, Ramona Nelson, and Roberta (Sami) Syed and many nieces and nephews. 

John was preceded in death by his daughter Eljean Whitefeather, his parents John Sr. and Julia (Hill) Kingbird, two brothers; Francis Stillday and Harlan Kingbird and four sisters; Bernice Kingbird, Carol Kingbird, Roberta Kingbird, and Brenda Kingbird.

We will miss John’s kindness, his sense of humor, the love he had for us and the joy that he brought to our lives.  He will always be precious in our hearts.

Memorial Services for John to be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 16th, 2021 at the Northome Seventh -Day Adventist Church, 12352 State HWY 46, Northome, MN 56661.  Pastor Melvin Brazil-Geyshick will officiate. 

John’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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