Lucille Marie Wakanabo, age 94, began her journey to the spirit world on Friday, February 14, 2025 at her home in Cass Lake, MN.

Lucille was born on February 10, 1931 to Sam and Mary Raisch, in Cass Lake, MN> She married Robert Wakanabo Sr and they had 4 children: Robert (Punk) Wakanabo Jr, Jennifer Wakanabo, Vern Wakanabo and Ronald Wakanabo.  Her family lived in NE Minneapolis from 1957 to 1969. They then moved back to Cass Lake to stay from 1969 to 2025. She had numerous jobs on the Leech Lake Reservation, including Che-we, Elder Division, Advocate, and First Bingo Caller at Leech Lake Bingo. Lucille graduated from Leech Lake Tribal College. She enjoyed bowling and tournaments in Niagra Falls, Milwaukee, Seattle, Washinton DC, Last Vegas and St Louis. She was also in bowling leagues in Bemidji and Walker. Lucille was a well-respected elder from Leech Lake Reservation.

Lucille is survived by her children: Vern Wakanabo and Ronald Wakanabo; grandchildren: Kayla Leigh Wakanabo-Merrill (husband, Vince Merrill) and Nickena Buster Carlson; and great-grandchildren: Matic Wakanabo, Lillianna Staples, Lyle Staples, William Wakanabo and Tayla Wakanabo.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Sam and Mary Raisch; sisters: Florence, Patricia and Hazel; husband: Robert Wakanabo Sr; and children: Robert (Punk) Wakanabo Jr, Jennifer Wakanabo; and granddaughters: Breanna Leigh Wakanabo, who was killed by a school bus in 1985.

There will be a time of reviewal from 11 AM to 1 PM on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at St Peters Episcopal Church in Cass Lake, MN, followed by services with Reverend George Ross. Pallbearers will be Jay Riplinger, Mark Nelson, Vince Merrill, Lyle Staples, Marion Rodriguez, Bill Bellanger and Norman “Butch” Beer.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.