Michael Emery French

Michael Emery French, “Nisadoo Makwa” “Fix it up Bear” 74, passed away on March 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and under the compassionate care of the Frazee Care Center.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer “Penny” French; his son, Sonny Stethem (Renita); his daughters, Sally French (Travis Jorgenson) and Sarah Larson; his grandchildren, Aprileena Bennett (Kevin) and Keeanwa Jamgochian (Bryan),Angelique Stethem, Isaac Nykos (Ruth) and Emery Jorgenson; his great-grandchildren, Kilynn, Abel, Bryce, Jayce and Ramzee; nephews and niece, Corey, Tracy, Steven, Allen and Jennifer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Darel and Doris French; his brothers, Dennis and Jim; his sister, Linda; and his nephew, Benny.

Mike was a man who truly lived life in his own way. He and his best friend, Gary Walton, hitchhiked around the Baja and California in the early 70s when he and Zigi Stardust got into a fist fight over Zigi’s silver suit. He was a guitarist for Wild Rice in the 70s. He played with many famous musicians in the Cities including Buddy Guy and BB King. He had a deep love for music—especially blues and rock and roll—and that rhythm stayed with him throughout his life. 

He had a passion for cars, which led him to own and operate his own auto body shop in the 1980s and early 1990s. During that time, he proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, for 15 years until he fell through a burning roof. He was also a trainer for the State Fire School. He was always willing to show up when people needed him most.

He later spent many years working in the Brainerd Lakes area at the Viking Labeling Company, while enjoying the simple things he loved most—being outdoors, fishing, hunting, and taking in the quiet moments nature offered.

In1995, Mike and  Penny were married at Federal Dam by Bill Boblink. In 2002 they made their home on the shores of Cass Lake. It was there that Mike found some of his most meaningful work, spending his days helping in local schools as a cultural para, in the woodworking shop, and as a bus driver. But to Mike, it was never just a job. He genuinely cared about the kids—he saw them, believed in them, and met them with patience, humor, and understanding. The kids felt that, and they loved him for it.

Mike’s spiritual path became an important part of who he was. He was deeply committed to learning from and living by Native American teachings, especially Midewin. He found peace and purpose in attending lodge, participating in sweats, and walking a path rooted in respect, humility, and connection. Those teachings weren’t just something he practiced—they were something he lived.

If you knew Mike, you knew his warmth. You knew his kindness. You knew that he could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave you with a story, a laugh, or something to think about. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, like you belonged just by being near him.

He wasn’t perfect—but he was real, he was loving, and he showed up for the people in his life in the ways that mattered most.

Mike will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue on—in the stories we tell, in the lessons he shared, and in the love he gave so freely.

He will never be forgotten. 

A wake for Mike will begin at 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026 and will continue until the 10:00 a.m. traditional service on Sunday, March 29, 2026 all held at Battle Point Community Center in Sugar Point.  Spiritual advisor will be Mike Dahl.  Pallbearers for Mike will be Lee Obermiller, Jerry Hoyem, Brian Jamgochian, Isaac Nykos, Daniel Isham, Chris Stauffer and Kevin Bennett.  Honorary pallbearers will be all his Friends and Family.  Interment will be in Battle Point Burial Grounds in Sugar Point, following the service.

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

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael Emery French, please visit our Tree Store.