Jerry Lee Northbird, Sr.

Jerry Lee Northbird, Sr.

Born: Wed., Feb. 11, 1942

Died: Mon., Oct. 13, 2014

Jerry Lee Northbird, Sr., "Bezhig-goo-ge-zhig", 72, of Cass Lake, began his spiritual journey on Monday, October 13, 2014. He was born on February 11, 1942 in Red Lake, the son of Louis Northbird, Sr. and Adella (Stillday) Northbird.

Jerry began his softball career in 1975 and finally retired from the game in 2012, but not before winning numerous state titles. To keep his mind sharp he would work crossword puzzles daily and fast became known as the "Walking Thesaurus" and he was always 'right'. Jerry attended sweat lodges. He was very inspirational in helping people find the Red Road path. Jerry was very knowledgeable for practicing cultural traditions. He had a great sense of humor and loved to socialize and tease everyone. Jerry's favorite term of endearment was "Meat Head" as he met people throughout his lifetime.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father; Louis Northbird, Sr., mother; Adella Stillday Northbird, brothers; George Northbird, Louis Northbird, Jr., sister; Arlene Northbird, grandson; Byron James Northbird, nephews; Barry Northbird, Scott Bowstring, Brian Northbird, uncles; Percy Stillday, Thomas Stillday, Jr. and Bruce Stillday, aunts; Lillian Greenleaf, Bertha Kingbird and Joyce Black, grandparents; Tom Stillday, Sr. and Lucy (Johnson) Stillday.

He is survived by the love of his life and lifetime companion; Suzanne Northbird of Cass Lake, sons; Gerald Northbird, Jr. of Cass Lake, Russell Northbird, Sr. (Sharon) of Cass Lake, Darryl Northbird of Cass Lake, and Steven Northbird (Sara) of St. Paul, daughter; Teresa Northbird-Persell (John) of Bemidji, brothers; Gordon Northbird of Walker, Eugene Northbird of Cass Lake, and Patrick Northbird (Chyrle) of Cass Lake, sisters; Melvina Northbird of Bemidji, Lois Northbird of Cass Lake, and Brenda Northbird of Cass Lake, 30 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces.

A wake service for Jerry will begin at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2014 and will continue until the 10:00 a.m. service on Friday, October 17, all at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Cass Lake. Spiritual Leader will be Anna Gibbs. Active pallbearers will be Andy Jones, Michael Northbird, Lance Northbird, Rod Northbird, Jonas Northbird, Gerald Scott Northbird, Mike Bowman, and Ashton Northbird. Alternate pallbearer is Vern Lyons. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Jerry's nieces and nephews. Interment will be held in the Northbird Family Burial Grounds in Cass Lake following the service on Friday.

Jerry's care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be given at http://www.northernpeace.com