Walter Shawn Seelye

Walter "Shawn" Seelye, 54, “Niso-Muckwa Gaabaw” was born to Janice and Walter Seelye on December 19th, 1965 in Bena, Minnesota.  He began his spiritual journey home in Federal Dam, Minnesota on July 16th, 2020 with his wife, Rebecca Seelye, children, sister and brother by his side.

Shawn grew up in Bena, MN and was the youngest of 8 children.  He attended the Old Bug-o-Nay Geshig school in Mission, MN until the 8th grade.  Throughout Shawn’s life he enjoyed many things, but nothing could compare to his proudest moments of being a father to his 9 children.  Shawn loved being a part of the outdoors, whether it was fishing, trapping, working on cars, or just traveling around Minnesota and making sure people knew he was a proud “Bena Boy” from northern Minnesota.  He liked to take time to research his genealogy when he wasn’t busy rebuilding and remolding houses, while listening to some of his favorite music by Steve Earl.  Some of his fondest memories from his children are how much he loved to get up early in the mornings to make breakfast for them, making sure his grandchildren were always taken care of, and making people laugh.  Shawn will be deeply missed by his wife Rebecca and his children.  His children and family want to thank his wife Rebecca and family friend, Debbie Tibbitts, for caring for Shawn in his last few weeks with us.

Those waiting for Shawn in the spirit world are his mother and father, Janice and Walter Seelye.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Seelye; brothers, Keith (Lynn) Wright, Keeven Wright, Donald “Shane” Seelye; his sisters, Debra (James) Campbell, Colleen (Kenneth) Berg, Shanon Seelye, and Charlene “Towie” Seelye; his children, Sage (Teresa) Seelye, Sarah “Sissy” Seelye, Shadow (Angel) Seelye, Shawnee (William) Synowsczynski, Stormy (Codi) Campbell, Sherri Seelye, Jolissa Seelye, BreAnna Seelye, and Tristen Walter Seelye; his grandchildren, Animiki, Sadie, Avery, Nova, Nacota, Colton, Conner, Hanna, Jarren, Sage, Shadow, Keeven, AlessahAnn, Naverik, Leland, and Raina, many nieces, nephews and friends.

And overnight wake for Sahwn will begin at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22nd and continue until his 11:00 a.m. traditional service on Thursday, July 24th all being held at the Bena Community Center in Bena, MN.  Melvin Goodwin will be his Spiritual Advisor.  Pallbearers will be Keeven Wright, Jr., Shadow Seelye, Cameron Seelye, Justin Campbell, Kevin Campbell and Louie Mendez.  Alternate pallbearer is Javi Whitteton.  His honorary pallbearers are Sage Seelye, Tristen Seelye, Sandra “Amy” Headbird, Lance “Lanny” Seelye, AlessahAnn Shonionce Seelye, Gila Roberston, Dancer “Butch” Demarse.  Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery at Bena, MN.

Shawn’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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