Rhonda Mae Reese

Rhonda Mae Reese, Naawagiizisookwe, “Center of the Moon Lady”, age 62, of Minneapolis, passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2026. She was born on January 14, 1964, to Regina “Gina” (Sam) Reese and Richard Samuel Reese in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rhonda lived in the Minneapolis area as a young girl and then moved up to the Onigum area in her teen years. Rhonda graduated from Walker High School in 1982 and went on to attend Bemidji State University for a year of studies.

In her early teenage years Rhonda was very competitive and played softball for “The Onigum Girls”. Rhonda truly loved her softball teammates, especially the “White girls”, Carol, Vicki, Debbie, and Marilyn. They all hold a special place in her heart. Rhonda enjoyed living in Onigum and was very proud of her community and culture.

Rhonda’s most favorite thing to do was attend all the sporting events and games her grandchildren participated in. Rhonda cheered the loudest and didn’t care what anyone said, she was there to support her grandchildren and that’s what she did.  Rhonda cherished every minute she was able to spend with her great grandson, Baby Muck-wa. Rhonda also known as “Gammy” beamed with pride when she talked about him and couldn’t wait to tell you everything he was learning to do and all his milestones he was achieving.

Rhonda loved all her family with all of her heart and always greeted them with hugs. She loved visiting and hanging out and was always down for a road trip up North. Rhonda loved her yearly “girls” weekend at her favorite cousin Deb’s cabin. Rhonda was the life of the party with her contagious and boisterous laugh and quick wit. Rhonda’s presence and energy was felt everywhere she went. Rhonda enjoyed watching her soaps which included Judge Judy, Pitbull and Parolees, and had a Thursday night ritual of “Jersey Shore”. Rhonda liked playing card games, specifically Skipbo, naming herself the “Skipbo Queen”, going on family adventures with her daughter and grandkids to Florida and California. Rhonda loved to travel and creating those memories to last a lifetime. Rhonda could turn a $5 free play coupon into $100 real quick. Rhonda was outspoken, no filter, said it like it is, and yes, that was our Rhonda Mae, who we all deeply loved and will miss dearly.

Those greeting Rhonda in the spirit world are her mom, dad, and stepmom Lillian Reese, sisters; Ricki, Josie, Cindy, granddaughter Breanna Goose, nephews; Jeremee Kraskey, Terry “Punky” Larsen, and Taylor Fonder, nieces; Samantha Larsen, Lynette McDonald, and Barbie Bellanger, brother-in-law Vernon McDonald and all her favorite aunties, uncles and grandparents.

Rhonda is survived by her daughter, Andrea Reese and son Richard (Tammi) Reese, her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Rydel Wheeler, Ayianna Reese-LaRoque (Muck-wa Jr.), Anthony LaRoque, Arien LaRoque, Cataleya Christon and Braxton Bigbear. Great-grandson, Muck-wa Roberts III, her absolute treasure. Siblings, Rina (Bud) Fonder, Roxanne Reese, Lisa Bellanger, Wendy (John) Whitebird, Crystal and Yvette Kraskey; brothers, Walter “Sam” (Mardelle) Reese and James (Ronda) Wilson; her closest lifelong friend and partner in crime Deana McDaniel; her loving auntie and uncle Linda and Frank Reese, aunties, Sami Thomas, Molly Judkins, Pauline Sam, Barbra Jo Bearheart and many more family and friends.

Those helping to lay Rhonda to rest are Nick Larsen, Nick Reese, Perry Smith, Jr., Rydel Wheeler, Michael Winslow, Anthony Reese, Michael Morrison-Reese, Randon Reese. Honorary pallbearers are Uncle Frank and Aunt Linda Reese, Theron (Bud) Fonder, Sam Reese, James Wilson, Deb Storrbakken, Diane Strandjord, Carol White, Vicki White, Sharon E. Raisch, Deana McDaniel, Jaclynn Melina, Arien LaRoque, Tristan Larsen, Monte Larsen, Cassius Jubera, and Braxton Bigbear.

Traditional Ojibwe Funeral Ceremony to begin at dusk on Wednesday evening, June 3rd.  Ceremony begins at 10am Thursday morning, June 4th. If you are cooking for the feast in support of the family, please have food there shortly before 8pm on Wednesday, and shortly before 10am on Thursday, for preparation.

All services will be held at the Onigum Community Center located at 8826 Onigum RD NW, Walker, MN.

Rhonda’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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