Johnny Paul Kenwabikise's Obituary

[Marie LaFreniere]

John Paul Kenwabikise, 74, of Beaver Island and Charlevoix, died Wednesday, December 5, 2012, in Charlevoix.

Visitation will be 5-8:00 pm, Saturday, December 8, at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix, and on Monday, December 10, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church on Beaver Island. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 11, at the Holy Cross Church followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Reverend Joseph Blasko will officiate.

John was born July 6, 1938, on High Island to Paul David and Isabelle (Shabageshikoqua) Kenwabikise. He worked as a commercial fisherman, and with the exception of living on High Island for a short time taking care of free-range horses, and the time he stayed in Charlevoix, lived on Beaver Island his entire life. He was also an accomplished carpenter, plumber, welder and mechanic. He was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and he attended Holy Cross Church on Beaver Island.

John is survived by his children, Erick (Ardis) Kenwabikise of Cheboygan, Simon Kenwabikise of Alanson, Rose Kenwabikise, Katheryn (Lee Fisher) Kenwabikise all of Petoskey, Patrick Kenwabikise of Empire; nineteen grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Caroline (Orville) Ramey of Benzonia, Nancy (Denny) Harris, Leonard (Peggy) Kenwabikise all of South Haven, Pauline (George) Anthony of Traverse City, Sarah (Jack) Bray of Pulman, Joey Kenwabikise, Diane (Steve "Sonic") Smith, James (Barbara) Kenwabikise all of Charlevoix, Mary Kenwabikise-Haplin of Beaver Island.

John was preceded in death by his sons, John, Kenny, Dennis, and Jesse and daughter, Wendy; his sisters Margaret and Doris, and brothers, Steve and Robbie.

You can sign Johnny's Guestbook at www.winchesterfuneralhome.com .