Gary Lee Thunder

Gary Lee Thunder, age 63 of the Bear Clan, of Red Lake MN started his journey on Friday, July 14th, 2023 at Essentia St. Mary’s. Duluth, MN.

Gary Lee Thunder was born December 27th, 1959 in Chicago Illinois to Alvin L. Thunder and Lucy (Green) Barrett.  He grew up in Red Lake and resided in the Little Rock District.  He attended Red Lake Schools and the Flandreau Indian School.  Gary enjoyed playing guitar and was also in a band while he attended school in Flandreau. He liked to read, draw, listen to music and play scratch offs.  He loved walking and was an avid album collector.  He also enjoyed spending time with his cat whom he spoiled with the best treats, food and toys.

He is survived by his sisters Cheryl Thunder and Michelle Barrett-Cobenais of Red Lake MN and Tammy Partridge of Minneapolis MN, Brother Richard “Rick” Barrett Jr. (Michelle) of Red Lake MN.  He was a caring uncle to 6 Nephews, 3 Nieces, 16 Great Nieces and Nephews and 1 Great-Great niece.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Step-father Richard Barrett Sr., Paternal Grandparents John and Ida (Spears) Thunder, Maternal Grandparents Samuel and Margaret (Johnson) Green, Maternal Aunt Margaret “Helen” Benais, Maternal Uncle William “Sonny” Green, Paternal Aunt Jessie Mayotte and Paternal Uncle Guy Mayotte and Brother-in-law Duane Cobenais Jr.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Wednesday July 19th, 2023 at the Little Rock Community Center with Father John Christianson officiating.  A wake will begin at 1:00 pm Tuesday July 18th, 2023 at the Little Rock Community Center. Active Pallbearers will be Duane “Boogins” Cobenais, Derrick Cobenais, Derald “Ola” Cobenais, Dion Barrett, Alex Barrett, Andrew Barrett, Damon Johns and Guy Packineau. Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald “Duck” Good, Alan Lajeunesse Sr., Arlie Wipf, Rhonda Wipf, Ruby Salazar-Wilkens, Clayton Barrett, Ringo and Marsha Needham, Morris Smith, Marlys King, Merceline White, Marilyn “Cookie" Littlecreek, and Marla Benais.  Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Red Lake MN. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Whispering Pines Funeral Home, Walker MN. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Lee Thunder, please visit our floral store.