Michael James Friedman Sr

Michael James Friedman Sr “Wiijishimotaw-gizhiibiyaanaamad” age 56, of The Emeralds in Grand Rapids, began his journey to the spirit world on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  Michael is the adopted son of Ann (Diver) Friedman and William “Bill” Friedman.

He was a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. He enjoyed cooking, spending time with his kids, fishing and you could always find him collecting balsam boughs when wintertime came. 

Michael is survived by children Derek (Marissa) Friedman, Jennifer Villard, Michael (Sammi Hoffman) Friedman Jr, Clair (Joe) Deppa, James (Jezlyn Abramowski) Friedman, Rolando Defoe, Ricco Defoe and Reeanna Defoe; 13 grandchildren; sister Deborah Friedman; and 1 niece, 1 nephew, and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by son Dylan Friedman; granddaughter Kira Friedman; and mothers of his children Candice Defoe and Penny Wait.

The wake will begin at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the Fond du Lac Cultural Center in Cloquet, Minnesota, and continue until the service at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 26, 2023 with Spiritual Leader Charlie Smith. Active Pallbearers will be Derek Friedman, Michael Friedman, James Friedman, Ricco Defoe, Rolando Defoe and Darius Friedman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Deppa, Kail Beaulieu and D’Angelo Friedman.  Burial will be at Holy Family Cemetery in Cloquet, Minnesota.

A special thank you to the staff at The Emeralds in Grand Rapids for the care they provided for our dad over the last several years of his life.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Northern Minnesota.

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