George "Mike" Michael Branchaud

George Michael Branchaud, age 76, began his journey to the spirit world on November 3, 2025 in Red Lake, MN.

George was born on November 24, 1948 to Irvin “Tippy” and Frances “Kicken” (Cook) Branchaud in Red Lake, MN. George was in the Army as a Water Purification Specialist from 1968 to 1971, where he spent one year in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange. In 1973, he met his wife, Charmaine, as she was going into college in Duluth. He supported her through nursing school and was her “rock.”  Before going into the service, he was an Indian Guide with his brother Larry. He worked with the DNR, did custodial work for Red Lake IHS and was a volunteer Fire Fighter in Red Lake for several years. George was an avid hunter and fisherman and he liked his rides to the casino. He learned how to cook “really good” meat pie from his mother.  After he retired, he became known as “Mr. Bemidji” as he loved going to the Countryside Restaurant every day! George was very much involved with church activities at St Mary’s.

George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Charmaine; sons: Michael (Amber) and Christopher Branchaud; granddaughter: Karliah Branchaud; special grandchildren: Carmen and Marco Muneton; sisters: Ethel Branchaud, Sue Antone, Sylvia Branchaud, Sandy Miller and Beverly Bailey (Richard); brothers: Greg Branchaud and William (Margaret) Branchaud Sr; special Goddaughter: Leigh Garrigan; Special Godson and namesake: Mike Jourdain Sr; Godsons: Mylen Brummond and J.R. Auginash; several other Godchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tippy and Kicken; brothers: Larry Branchaud, Lee Cook and Dave Branchaud; and sisters: Patsy Rudolph and Judy Brummond.

A wake will begin at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the New Red Lake Center and will continue until the service at St Mary’s Catholic Church at 1 PM on Friday, November 7, 2025 with Father Pat Sullivan. Active Pallbearers will be David Layton “Sonny”, Ron Branchaud, Harold Kingbird, Michael Jourdain Sr, Justin DesJarlait, Miziway DesJarlait. Alternates: Dean Branchaud, J.R. Auginash. Honorary Pallbearers will be Harlow Spears, William Branchaud Sr, Greg Branchaud, Herb Thunder, Mylen Brummond, Dr. Borromeo, Dr. Mark Cunningham, Dr. Bill Canada, Robert DesJarlait, Randy DesJarlait, Delmar DesJarlait, Ron DesJarlait, Roman Stately “Ducker”, Al Merschman, Scott Merschman. Burial will be at St Mary’s Cemetery in Red Lake, MN.  Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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