Vincent "Butch" Roy Martineau

Vincent "Butch" Roy Martineau

April 26, 1950 - May 11, 2020

Vincent "Butch" Roy Martineau Jr. "Giwiitahgizhik" Going all around the sky", age 70 started his journey on Monday, May 11, 2020. Butch was born to Evelyn Olson and Roy Martineau on April 26, 1950. Butch was a proud member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Butch was very giving of himself and to his community. His life revolved around family, fishing, hunting, golfing and nobody could ever forget his untouchable sense of humor. Butch was also well known for his gift of sharing stories.

Butch was an outdoor enthusiast for most of his life. He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. Butch was a mentor to all and always provided for his family and community, especially his elders.

Butch graduated from Carlton High School in 1969 and was the very first Native American Homecoming King crowned at Carlton High. He graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from St. Scholastica in 1979. Butch was employed with the FDL Band for over 40 years; he was a Recreational Aide for over 8 years at the Sawyer Community Center and he served as the Tribal Chairman and the Sawyer District Rep for a total of 11 years. He also worked in the planning division for many years, as a grant writer, where he had a hand in seeing the future of Fond du Lac as it is today.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Martineau and Evelyn Olson; a son, Vincent "little Butch" Martineau III; four brothers, Daniel, Herbie, Dean and Robert "Bob"; adopted father, William "Bill" Houle; maternal grandparents, Mary and Albert Porter; paternal grandparents, Josephine Greensky and Eustace Martineau.

Butch is survived by his daughters, Millie (Erik) Wilkinson, Jennifer S. Martineau, Rachel (Joey) Barney, Kayla White; brothers, Gary (Sandy) Martineau, Joe (Alice) Martineau, and Henry (Tina) Olson; sisters, Gwen Wakanabo, Joy Martineau, Lynn (Keith) Olson, and Mary (Kelly) Diver; adopted brothers, George (Marlene) Himango, Don Wiesen, and Don Fabre; honorary mention to his best niiji Clarence "Chuck" Smith and cousin Maurice (Rita) Ojibway; grandchildren, Samantha, Sabrina, Levi, Sterling, Jamey, Allison, Davis, and Joey Jr .; great grandchildren, Enzlie, Anorah, and Camilla. Butch was loved and adored by many and will be dearly missed by all.

A Native American Traditional service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2020 at Butch's home, 3605 W. Moorhead Road, Cloquet. Burial will be in Sawyer Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com

Native American Traditional Service

MAY 15. 10:00 AM (CST)

Butch's Home

3605 W. Moorhead Road

Cloquet, MN, 55720

Cemetery Details

Sawyer Cemetery

3252 Hwy 210

Sawyer, MN, 55780