John A. Smith, Sr.

Smith, John A., Sr. "Johnny" age 75, of Minneapolis Journeyed to the Spirit World on Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital.

John “Johnny” Allen Smith Sr. “Yellow Feather” (Waysagwonnabe), age 75, of Minneapolis Journeyed to the Spirit World on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

He was born on May 23, 1941 in Red Lake, Minnesota the son of Harry Smith and Isabelle Weise.

Johnny was a member of The Chippewa Nation in Red Lake, Minnesota. He was an accountant, barber, teacher, draftsman, counselor and business administrator. Johnny was formerly employed as a embassy director for The Red Lake Embassy-Twin Cities. He was known as a educator and advocate for the Native youth and community.

Johnny was a champion singer and grassdancer, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to many including non- relatives. Johnny known to many as Chief. He lived for singing and dancing. Most of his students come from this part of his life. Most of his career was spent tracking aspects of the Native American Culture.

Survived by his wife: Rosetta M. (Marlene) Smith; sons: Tim Goose of Cass Lake, Minnesota John Smith Jr. and Billy Smith both of Minneapolis, Minnesota; daughters: Corinne Goose of Cass Lake, Minnesota, Liz Smith (Gary) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Terri Ness (Rick) of Columbia Heights, Minnesota Andrea Goose and Cathy Smith both of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jolene Goose of Cass Lake, Minnesota; 25 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren; brothers: Mike Smith of Redby, Minnesota and Butch Smith of Walker, Minnesota; sisters: Patricia G. Johnson of Red Wing, Minnesota, Marilyn Reid, Suzanne Smith of Bemidji and Sherlyn Whitefeather; other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by parents Harry and Isabelle Smith, a brother Phil Smith and by two granddaughters Marlene and Julie Weyaus

An all night wake will be held on Sunday, November 6th beginning at 5:00 P.M. American Indian Center in Minneapolis. Further all night wake will be held on Monday, November 7th beginning at 5:00 P.M. at The Humanity Center in Red Lake, Minnesota.

Funeral services for John “Johnny” Smith Sr. will be held Tuesday, November 8th at 11:00 A.M. at The Humanities Center in Red Lake, Minnesota. Officiating will be Father George Ross. Drum Group will be “Red Lake Singers”.

Interment will follow at St. Antipas Episcopal Church Cemetery in Redby, Minnesota.

Honorary Casket Bearers will be All his grandchildren and great grandchildren, all his family and friends and Pow Wow Trail friends.

Casket Bearers will be Darrel Seki, Tiny Bellanger, Mike Thunder, Myron Iron Lighting Jr., Guy Smith, Zack Redbear, Sam Reid and Tim Goose.