All Obituaries

Michael Lee Smith passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 74. Mike was born on July 7, 1952, in Bemidji, MN to Russell and Donna Smith. He grew up in Benedict, Minnesota, and graduated from Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School in 1970. He later made his home in the Ham Lake area, where he married Connie Smith. Together, they raised three children: Cari, Chad, and Brad Smith. Mike worked as a salesman for many years, a career he truly enjoyed and took great pride in. Eventually, he made ...

Arthur M. Jones, age 55, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Minneapolis, MN. Arthur was born on October 14, 1970, in Red Lake, MN to Lillian Jones-Kingbird. Athur worked at various restaurants over the years. He enjoyed watching sports, especially football and basketball. He was gifted with his hands, making beautiful jewelry and beadwork. Arthur had a great sense of humor, loved to make people laugh, had a heart of gold and a smile for everyone. He is survived by his other half, Ray ...

Brian “Bert” Keith Johnson, age 54 of Redby MN, peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Brian was born to Marilyn Jones and Grover Johnson on August 23, 1971 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Brian grew up in Minneapolis before moving home to A.C.T.R.  He attended Red Lake High School. After school, Brian enjoyed working numerous jobs with family, Red Lake Gaming and Redby One Stop. Brian loved being a grandpa to Braylon and Joaquin and spending time with family. He ...

Donald Lee Applebee, age 74, passed away on May 9, 2026. A full obituary will be published shortly. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.  

Nicole Robyn Roy, age 31, began her journey to the spirit world on April 25, 2026 in Red Lake, Minnesota. Nicole was born on January 9, 1995 to her biological mother Tammy Rock and her mom who raised her Ramona Sumner and her Dad Robin Roy. Nicole was raised and grew up in Red Lake, and went to school in Red Lake. Her grandma Vivian helped raise her. In 2004, her momma Ramona came into her life. Nicole started dating the father of her kids on June 16, 2013 and they welcomed their son ...

Francis “Frank” Downwind, Makwa Gaa-Nibaad—Sleeping Bear of the Kingfisher Clan—an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation, made his journey to the spirit world on April 21, 2026, surrounded by love. Frank lived his life in a good way, guided by his deep love for his people, his relatives, and especially his daughter, Aaliya. He carried himself as an Ogichidaa—a warrior—not through force, but through care, responsibility, humor, and presence. He showed up ...

Warren “Bake” Baker from Longville, Minnesota, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 102 on April 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, service to country, and a life well lived.  He is survived by his wife, Marie, 6 children, Steve (Jane), Dave (Eileen), Mary (Mark), Barb (Pat), Kathy (Jay), Kevin (Katie), 20 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great ...

Karey Marlene Lyon, whose Ojibwe name was Giizhibaagwanekwe, passed away at age 73 on March 3rd at Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, Minnesota. Karey was born on July 1, 1952, in International Falls, Minnesota. She later made her home in Bemidji, Minnesota and was an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Karey dedicated her life to caring for others. Her journey in health care began when she was a young girl working as a candy striper at the hospital. That early experience inspired ...

The last of a family generation, and long, full life came to a close on April 16, 2026 as Ruth Dorn of Cass Lake, Minnesota passed away at the age 99 at Sanford Health Neilson Place in Bemidji, Minnesota. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 24th at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the funeral at Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake, with fellowship to follow, ...

Farrell (Roadie) James Kingbird, of the Eagle Clan, age 47, began his journey to the spirit world on April 13, 2026 in International Falls, MN. Farrell was born on October 23, 1978 to Jack and Marlene (Spears) Kingbird Jr in Red Lake, MN. He was raised in and graduated from high school in International Falls. Farrell learned how to sing as he grew up on the powwow circuit with his dad.  He enjoyed fishing, listening to powwow music and learning new songs. Farrell is survived by ...