Jaris M. Paro

Jaris M. Paro

December 8, 1984 ~ April 9, 2018 (age 33)

"Pokey" Jaris Michael Paro "Beybiskaaneyaash" 33 of Cloquet, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on April 9, 2018.

Pokey was a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior. He was born on December 8, 1984 in Cloquet, MN to Frank Paro and Diana Reynolds (Petite). Pokey was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Michael Petite and Gladys Petite (Roy), Paternal Grandfather Roger Paro; aunts Karen, Linda, Leatrice; uncles Donald, Dana, and Michael Jr.

Pokey was a proud member of the Cedar Creek Drum Group, proud uncle, brother, best friend, friend, family member and a loving son. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Pokey was the kind of man that made you feel like you were important to him. He loved life and when life tested him he faced it head on and gracefully. He was ill for most of his life; the health challenges he encountered throughout his years were enough to have anyone surrender to them. He accepted those challenges and taught people from them, he challenged his medical teams and pushed them to explore far beyond what they may have wanted to. He lived for the Powwow trail, he lived to hear the drums, to sing, to visit and be happy. Pokey was full of life, wise beyond his years. He was a special man and a humble man. Pokey will be forever missed.

Pokey is survived by his parents Frank (Dawn) Paro, Diana (Gerald Sr) Reynolds, Grandmother Shirley Paro, Sister Janelle (Mel) Barney, Twin Brother Jarvis (Maggie) Paro, Brothers Jason Petite, Jaimie Petite, Franco Paro, and Joshua Lussier, Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and relatives. Stepsiblings Nikki, Julie and Jerry. Special friends Cristal, Billie, Alyssa, Marella and Dr. Rock.

The family would like to say a special Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Essentia and Miller Dwan ICU that went above and beyond for Pokey and a special Thank you to the staff at FDL Assisted Living.

A wake for Jaris will begin at 7:00 PM Thursday, April 12, 2018 and continue until the traditional funeral service at 11:00 AM Friday, April 13, 2018 at the Fond du Lac Tribal Center Gymnasium, Cloquet, Minnesota. The Spiritual Leader will be Rick Defoe. Arrangements are by Souder-Handevidt Funeral & Cremation Service, Cloquet, Minnesota.