Francis Allen Lutgen

Francis “Frank” Allen Lutgen, whose Ojibwe name is “Keewaydin Makwa” which means “Northwest Bear”, 50, of Bemidji died Monday, October 29, 2012 at the Cass Lake Indian PHS Hospital.

Memorial Services in a traditional way will begin 10:00 am Saturday, November 3, 2012 at his residence, 7755 Balsam Road NW, Bemidji. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji assisted the family. The Flag and Going Home song by the Smokey Hill Singers of Ponsford, MN.

Francis was born June 9, 1962, the son of John Lutgen and Louella Mason. He was a member of the Red Lake Nation. He was raised and educated in Blackduck, playing football while in high school. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1980 to 1984 and was stationed in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He married the love of his life Janet Darkow on Feb. 9, 1981 in Bemidji. Following his discharge, they returned to Bemidji where they raised their family. Francis was a family man, placing them a priority above else. He was a hard worker for Red Lake Builders where he was a mechanic, heavy equipment operator, truck driver and plumber. He was an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting with Richard Mason and fishing. He was a fan of Elvis and Nascar. He and his son built a racecar together. He and his girls enjoyed Vikings Football together.

He is survived by his wife- Janet of Bemidji Mother- Louella Price of Pinewood 4 children- Jay Lutgen of Bemidji Ann Lutgen of Bemidji Jodale Lutgen of Bemidji Kristy Lutgen of Sioux Falls, SD 7 grandchildren 4 brothers- Bryan Mason of Virginia, MN John Paul Lutgen of Anchorage, Alaksa Adrian Lutgen of Anchorage, Alaska Ronald Price of Pinewood 3 sisters- Barbara (Jim) Peasley of Blackduck Patricia Beauchamp of Quincy, Washington Michele Littlefield of Kalispell, Montana

He was preceded in death by his father- grandmothers- Rachel and Adele and 2 brothers- Harlan Mason and Lewis Price, Jr. and several uncles and aunts.

Honorary Casketbearers will be Justin Pierce, Jesse Lutgen, Jimmy Large, Darwin Mason, Richard Mason, Ronald Price, Joe Beauchamp, Jim Peasley, John Darkow and Jon Weaver.