Albert "Awan" J. Martineau

Albert "Awan" J. Martineau

May 22, 1959 - February 1, 2023

We have lost the kindest heart today, Albert Joseph Martineau "Joe" passed away at his home in Amity, Oregon. Albert Joseph Martineau was born May 22, 1959 in Cloquet, Carlton County, Minnesota to Evelyn Irene (Porter) and Vincent Roy Martineau, preceded in death.

Joe's name is Awan. Awan means fog in the Ojibwe language. Awan is from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa of Minnesota. Proud of his native American heritage. Awan had seven brothers and four sisters (preceded in death, Butch, Danny, Herbie, Gary, Dean and Bob, as well as his sister Joy). Awan is survived by his sister, Gwen Martineau; brother Henry (Tina) Olson ; sisters, Lynn (Keith) Olson, Mary (Kelly) Diver all of Cloquet, Minnesota; adopted brothers, George Himango, Chuck Smith, and Don Wiesen; his daughters whom he cherished with all his heart and was so proud of, Felicia Martineau and Cherida Martineau; grandchildren, Ava Martineau, Cashus, Avery, and Mason Sather whom he held such a great love for; his wife, Alice Rost Martineau, of Amity, Oregon; Tom Peacock and Joy Peacock, his only Indigenous foster home who in his words saved his life; his niece Rachel (Joey) Barney; and so many other family members and valued friends.

Awan was a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; the Midewiwin Grand Medicine Lodge, living his life in service to others. He also served in the U.S. Air Force.

Awan worked for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, in Grand Ronde, Oregon, as an Alcohol and Addictions counselor, sober himself for +30 years, he was passionate about helping others in recovery. He loved fishing, hunting, bringing joy to others, most of all his daughters and grandchildren. He made hundreds of pairs of moccasins for those who needed a pair. Awan loved to spread joy and make others laugh. He loved life and many in his life.

Awan lived his life as a Midewiwin, always giving, a gentle soul. Our hearts hurt for the beautiful man who has started his journey.

At Awan's request, he will have a traditional service in Cloquet, Minnesota. The fire has been lit on February 1st at the home of his sister, Lynn. Funeral Arrangements will be with Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, MN. The wake will be on Saturday, February 4th, 2023, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Fond du Lac Head Start Gym and continue until the 10:00 a.m. Traditional Funeral Service on Sunday, February 5th, 2023.

Traditional Visitation

Fond du Lac Head Start Gymnasium

Saturday, February 04, 2023

5:00 PM

33 University Road

Cloquet, MN

Traditional Service

Fond du Lac Head Start Gymnasium

Sunday, February 05, 2023

10:00 AM

33 University Road

Cloquet, MN