George Richey Jr.

George Richey Jr.

July 10, 1940 ~ March 22, 2024 (age 83)

George M Richey Jr, Wejaani' wewidam "Powerful voice", age 83, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, in Red Lake, MN.

George M Richey Jr was born on July 10, 1940 to George Marion Richey Sr and Anna Beaulieu Richey. He spent the entirety of his life on the Red Lake reservation, except for the time he spent in the United States Marine Corps. George was a gifted musician and singer who grew up in an era where many families sang, danced and played various instruments. He was a champion grass dancer who traveled the United States and Canada along with his father, George M Richey Sr. He worked in numerous professions over his life as a social worker, civil servant, commercial fisherman and construction worker. He dedicated much of his life to caring for his elderly parents and family. George was great company, who carried on the old Indian tradition of never letting a visitor go hungry. The cribbage board and coffee was always ready. He enjoyed sharing songs with old friends and family, going to the casino and playing bingo. His sense of humor, wit and charm will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his sister, Julianna Richey Williams of Veblen, South Dakota.

He is preceded in death by his mother Anna Beaulieu Richey; father George M Richey Sr; and siblings William Richey, Richard Richey, Florence Adams, Elaine Jourdain, Geraldine Bombay, Patricia Thunder, Charles Richey, Marion Beaulieu, Michael Handy, Georgianna Richey, John Richey, John Pete Humprey and Charlene Richey.

The wake will begin at 3PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the New Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake and continue until the service at 11AM on Friday, March 29, 2024 with Father John Christianson officiating. His numerous nieces and nephews will act as active and honorary pallbearers. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Red Lake. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack (whisperingpinesnorth.com).