Obituary: Penny Ann Wait

Penny Ann Wait, of the Eagle Clan, “Bagamaashi” (The calm before the storm), 57, of Cloquet died peacefully Sunday March 1, 2020 in St. Luke’s Hospice, Duluth. Penny was born January 20, 1963 in Cloquet to Charles and Sonja Wick. She grew up in Cloquet and graduated from Cloquet High School and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin Superior.

Penny worked as a case manager at Center City Housing and a Domestic Violence advocate at Fond Du Lac Reservation prior to her current position with the American Indian Community Housing Organization.

As the Giiwe Program Coordinator-Penny was an incredibly valuable AICHO employee. Penny worked diligently through the Giiwe program in order to provide case management services and supports to keep individuals and families in scattered site housing stably housed. She coordinated financial assistance, transportation and case management services in order to meet the needs of one of the most vulnerable populations served. Penny was the heart and soul of the Giiwe program and truly lived by the mindset of meeting everyone where they were along their journey without judgement or apprehension.

Penny loved pow wows, camping and spending time with family and friends.

Penny was preceded in death by her son Dylan Friedman; and granddaughters, Destiny Dylkowski and Kira Friedman.

She is survived by her daughter, Amber Wait (Pat Lussier); sons, Shawn Adrian and Michael Friedman; parents, Charles and Sonja Wick of Cloquet; sisters, Patty (Jason) Branham of Bella Vista AR; and Paula (William Biddle) Gotzh of Bella Vista AR; brother Perry (Teresa) Wick of Cloquet; grandchildren, D’ Angelo Friedman, Lafonzo Sims Jr., Patrick Jr., Patience, and Promise Lussier, Journey Lovald, Riley Sweeney, Camden, Caden, and Caise Ruhanen; along with numerous family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alkaied, the staff at St. Luke’s Hospice, and the nurses at Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital Infusion Center for the wonderful care they provided.

Traditional Wake Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday March 4, 2020 in the Fond du Lac Head Start and continue through the night until the 10:00 a.m. Traditional Funeral Service Thursday, March 5, 2020. Refreshments will follow. Burial will be in Old Holy Family Cemetery. At Penny’s request memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute see, http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com