Robert H LaPrairie

Robert Hugh LaPrairie began his journey to the spirit world on Friday, November 1, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Robert was born to Theresa Bellaire Smith and George Henry LaPrairie on April 4, 1951. He was raised on the Fond du Lac Reservation. He was number three of seven. As a young boy, he went with his parents ricing, and at the age of 15, he became an avid ricer. After high school, he went to Minneapolis and was an activist for Native rights. He participated in the takeover of the BIA Building in Minneapolis, along with his cousin Patty P. My dad and family found out by seeing them on the front page of the Minneapolis Tribune. When the Exorcist came out, he went to the movie 15 times. He began college and also worked for the Minneapolis Health Department as an advocate for families and children. He knew the routes of Minneapolis like a seasoned taxi driver. He also taught his mother to drive a stick shift in a U-Haul truck when moving his sister to Minneapolis in 1974. He pulled over and told his mum she's driving! He was a trickster, playing jokes on people many times. He wanted to be a doctor, so he was starting Medical School at the University of Minnesota. At that time, he was struck by a hit and run driver and suffered a traumatic brain injury. After extensive rehab, he moved back home with his mother. He enjoyed playing bingo, cribbage, solitaire, traveling with his mum, and helping with household chores. He practiced recycling religiously. He was the head dishwasher and everyone knew not to assist because he had to do dishes his way. He worked for Goodwill Industries. In 1989, he moved to a TBI home, Moses Residence in Grand Rapids. He loved watching the birds and sitting on the patio, having his smokes. He enjoyed the activities they had, especially Halloween and Christmas. Bob's idol was Elvis Presley. He always enjoyed family gatherings. In planning, my little sis would say "what about Bob" even before the movie came out! Meaning who was picking him up. He was at the Casino hotel one time, got dressed, ate all the leftovers, drank all the pop, escaped out of the room and was found on the faming floor picking out cigs to smoke.

Bob is survived by his sister Dawn LaPrairie, many nieces and nephews, and Native Family Ron Haglund, Earth Wind & Peggy Roy.

He is preceded in death by his sister Winnie LaPrairie, brother Micheal LaPrairie, sister Elizabeth LaPrairie and niece Waubunoquay Randall, his parents George & Theresa, brothers George and Bruce LaPrairie.

Bob's sister and nieces and nephews are greatly thankful to Moses Residence for taking such good care of him. A chi-miigwech to Janet G, also known to Bob as "Janet Jackson," for her special care, kindness and love of Bob.

Wake will begin at 6 PM on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Fond du Lac Band-Brookston Community Center in Cloquet, Minnesota and will continue until the service at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Cloquet, Minnesota with Deacon Eric Evander. Pallbearers will be Waate Aubid, Nahshon Randall, Ovaugn Boshey, Bruce Martineau, Damion LaPrairie and Dan LaPrairie. Burial will be at Holy Family Cemetery in Cloquet, Minnesota.

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

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