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Peter J. Defoe

Peter J. Defoe

(May 19, 1939 - June 20, 2016)

Peter John Defoe passed away due to complications from diabetes and heart failure on Monday morning, June 20, 2016 at his daughter Michelle's home with his girls by his side. He was born May 19, 1939 to Peter and Margaret (Pratt) DuFault. Peter lived a special and full life. He loved his family and his passion was being a husband, father, and grandfather. His passion also extended to the members of the Fond du Lac Reservation and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.

Pete married Priscilla Roy on February 3, 1962, and together they raised two girls. He was a proud US Navy Veteran, and was honorably discharged after having served. Afterwards he lived in Minneapolis worked at Honeywell, and later moved to Superior, Wisconsin. There he attended vocational school and earned a diploma in electrical drafting. For several years, he worked at Benson Electric Co. as a draftsman and left his mark in the town having worked on several buildings including the Barker's Island complex. In 1970, the family moved to Cloquet.

In 1986, he chose to follow in his father's footsteps and ran for the office of Secretary/Treasurer for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and was successful. He was elected to four consecutive terms as Secretary/Treasurer and one term as Chairman. He held office during a time of great growth for the reservation, and was a much respected leader for Fond du Lac and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT). He served as the President of the MCT for many years and was the first Secretary/Treasurer to hold that office since his father held it in the 1970s. He was active on many committees while in office including the task force that helped establish the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Minnesota Indian Affairs Committee, and the area drug task force.

He was a member of the Mash Ka Wisen board, Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, and the Chemical Dependency Council. He also testified before the United States Congress on issues important to Indian Country and, most importantly, the people of Fond du Lac. During his tenure in office, he bridged the gap between the reservation and the local communities and was well-liked and respected in both. Up to his final days, he continued to express loyalty and compassion to the members of Fond du Lac and talked proudly and highly of its people.

Pete participated in sports, in particular basketball, football, and golf. He enjoyed competing in various city and Indian leagues. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attended many of their activities, including band concerts and sporting events. He loved watching them race stock cars and was their number one fan. He was very proud to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College on his birthday in May.

Pete was preceded in death by his wife Priscilla, parents Peter and Margaret, in-laws David and Christine Roy, son-in-law Richard DeBolt, sister Shirley Defoe, and grandson Jesse Hammitt. He is survived, loved, and will be greatly missed by daughters Stephanie (Brian) Hammitt and Michelle (Robert LaFave) DeBolt along with grandchildren Matthew (Jamie Gellatly), Christopher (Alyssa), Jonathon, and Annika Hammitt and Siera LaFave and an expected great grandchild due any day. He is also survived by siblings Russell (June) DuFault, Peggy (Robert) Lund, Donald Defoe, and Carol (Robert) Hayward and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and faithful furry companion Buddy.

The family would like to extend gratitude and great appreciation to the 2nd floor Miller Dwan rehabilitation staff and St.Croix Hospice staff especially Brent and Katie for their care and wonderful attention to Pete.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet with Wake prayers at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet with a visitation one hour prior. Military honors presented by the Fond du Lac Reservation Honor Guard and the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Interment held in New Holy Family Cemetery.

Lunch and fellowship will follow at the Fond du Lac Head Start Gymnasium.

 

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