Brent Wayne French

Brent Wayne “George” Waawaashkeshi French, Zoongii niibawi inini “Strong Standing Man” of the Bullhead Clan, 26 years young of Ponemah, MN, began his journey to the spirit world on Monday, June 2, 2025, from Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Brent was born as a twin on September 30, 1998, in Bemidji, MN to Joni Nelson and Justin French. Brent worked at the supermarket in Warroad and Subway in both Warroad and Red Lake and recently at Obashing Treatment Center as a cook. Brent was outgoing, loved making people laugh and hanging out with his friends. He liked working on cars and playing basketball and his guitar. Brent looked forward to spending time out in the woods with his grandpa, Roy, loved to hunt, fish and take long rides through the woods.

He is survived by his parents: Joni Nelson and Justin French; daughter, Nazairyn Harmonie French of Sandy Hook, MS; twin brother, Brandon (Lacey) French; grandparents who raised him since he was three months old, Debra French and Michael Spears; grandpa, Roy Nelson; sisters: Chelsey Nelson, Atavia Nelson, Malena Kingbird, Jaycee Jones, Karleona French, Julien French, Arionna French; brothers: Kelton French, Justin French Jr, Lolin Kingbird, David Rosebear III; special niece, Haven Donnell-French, special auntie, Michele (Aaron) French; special friend, Majia McCloskey as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Those greeting him in the spirit world are: his grandparents: Marlene Raincloud, George and Regina French; great-grandparents: Lorena and Raymond Raincloud and Chief Greetings and Judy Spears; cousin, December Jones.

A traditional wake will begin at 11AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Ponemah Boys & Girls Club in Ponemah and continue until the service at 10AM on Monday, June 9, 2025 with Allen Hardy as Spiritual Leader. Active pallbearers will be: Brandon French, Aaron Jones, Caysen Jones, Keagan French, Jared Nelson, Ray Resendez, Timothy Spears, Keaton Nelson, Gary James Nelson, Marvin Black, Todd Stillday, Quentin Nelson, Stephen Johnson, Tyson Nelson, Justin Nelson, David Rosebear Jr, Mick Nelson, Matthew Johnson, Bruce Stillday Jr, Dominic Nelson. Honorary pallbearers will be: Lacey Donnell-Graves, Nichelle Nelson, Shanoah Jones, Rheanna Jones, Delayna Jones, Michele French, Chelsey Nelson, May Rose-Johnson, Atavia Nelson, Malena Kingbird, Tiffany Stillday, Starlee Oakgrove, Autumn Nelson, Lexi Nelson, Daisy Nelson, Sabrina Nelson, Shannon L. Johnson, Lydia Nelson, Tasheena Raincloud, Rhylia Spears. Burial will be at the French Family Burial Grounds in Ponemah, MN. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service.

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