Alrick Wadena Sr.

Alrick Wadena Sr., age 81, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND.

Alrick George Wadena was born March 29, 1932, in White Earth, MN, the son of George and Josephine (Guinn) Wadena. His youth was spent growing up in Warroad, MN. As a young man, Rick moved to Naytahwaush and enlisted in the United States Army in 1951, serving with the 11th Airborne Infantry. He served during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1954. Following his discharge, Rick returned to Naytahwaush to make his home. He was united in marriage to Doris Sam and to their union, five children were born. In addition to his children, he also had three step daughters that were special to him. The couple later divorced and Alrick remained in Naytahwaush, where he would reside until the time of his death.

As an avid outdoorsman, Rick truly appreciated the outdoors and the activities it brought. He could simply live off the land with his abilities for hunting, fishing, ricing, maple syruping and trapping. He was very knowledgeable about the woods and often led large hunting parties and also worked as a guide on Lake of the Woods. Rick enjoyed teaching others about hunting and fishing and how to preserve and respect the traditions of the wilderness! In his younger years, he enjoyed playing both hockey and baseball. Over the years, the one thing that remained the same was his personality and his love of storytelling!

Alrick is survived by a son, Alrick Jr. (Cheryl LaFriniere) of Mahnomen; a daughter, Carol Turner of Naytahwaush; step-daughters, Doreen (Elliot) Knutson of Fridley and Sherry (Kevin) Nielson of Prior Lake; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four children: Frances, James, Timothy and Diane; a grandson, Justin; five brothers: Benjamin, William, Leonard, Lawrence, and Andrew; three sisters: Franny, Angeline, and Georgina; and his son-in-law, Michael Turner.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at the Sports Complex in Naytahwaush, MN. Visitation was held at the Complex beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service, and continued until the funeral service.

Interment was held at Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery, Naytahwaush.