June Ann (Molash) Mykkanen

June Ann (Molash) Mykkanen, a proud Native woman of the Leech Lake Band of OJibwe went to the spirit world Friday morning at 8:57 a.m. on August 30, 2024, in Big Stone Health Services in Aitken, Minnesota. She was born July 12, 1953 to Francis Peter Molash and Frances (Garbow) Molash, preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lyda, Joyce, Marilyn, Mary, Colleen and Harriet, brother Delbert and her constant traveling companion, little dog Nacho.

One of June’s favorite pastimes was spending time playing cards at Northern Lights and Cedar Lakes Casinos, especially Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em tables, as well as many favorite slots. June also had a green thumb and loved gardening when she could. She loved traveling with her sisters to casinos, garage sales and visiting her many friends, with Nacho by her side. June loved arts and crafts and was an avid reader in her spare time when she wasn’t at the casino, she will be remembered by her many handmade decorative hats and blue hair.

June held many jobs during her lifetime, she was one of the managers of the Minneapolis Public Library, Restaurant manager Grand Casino Mille Lacs, but her most favorite job was working for the Onigum community center. She always had a smile and would take time to meet, talk and go out of her way to help anyone at any time, day or night developing lifelong friendships.

She is survived by her husband Arnold (Preacher) Mykkanen, son Joel (Kim) Molash, brothers Julian (Bev) Molash and Larry Hardy, sister Lorene Bojanczyk, granddaughter Jayden Molash, Angelina, Tansy, Mercedes, ShyAnn, Valerie, Geena, Kleo, and special grandson Marleau and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A wake will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 starting at 5:00 p.m. and will continue until the 11:00 a.m. traditional service on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 all held at the Onigum Community Center. Alan Hardy will be the spiritual advisor.  Active pallbearers will be Victoria Mykkanen, Joel Molash, Julian Molash, Larry Hardy, William LaDeaux, Fillmore LaDeaux, and Dean Tulenchik.  Honorary pallbearers are all of June’s friends. 

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

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