Obituary: Genevieve Elizabeth Hanks

Maadagaak, Genevieve Elizabeth Hanks, Mikinaak Clan, 74, entered the spirit world May 24, 2022. Genevieve, daughter of Eunice Whitebird-Cobenais and Earl Bruce, was born Dec. 28, 1947 in Cass Lake. She grew up in Onigum and attended school in nearby Walker, and later attended college at the Bemidji Vocational Technical College. She worked a number of years for the Leech Lake Headstart before retiring. She moved to her reservation in Fond du Lac, Cloquet, where she resided until her passing. Genevieve enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo, going to powwows and camping, and visiting with her many friends. Having family get-togethers was her favorite. She was very outgoing and very giving; if you asked for anything, she would do it for you.

Genevieve will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Lawrence G. Hanks; her children Darryl (Jane) Bruce of Cass Lake, Brenda (Ken) Rice of Onigum, and Kenneth (Desirae) Fox Jr. of Callaway; her special niece, whom she raised, Angel Petite (Matt) of Cloquet; her brother John Whitebird (Wendy) of Onigum; her sister Karen Whitebird of Detroit Lakes; her grandchildren Joe (Maria) Bruce, Tasha (Kris) Cloud, Michael Fox, Forrest (Kat) Bruce, Brittany Fox, Anthony Wright, Vanessa Fox, Cassandra Wright, Jessica Wright, Jonathan (Naomi) Wright, Amber Fox, Aleisha Fox and Kenneth Fox III; 29 dearly loved great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; her special cousin, who was like her sister, Ethel Bruce of Minneapolis; and many other loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her baba and myb; her little sister Mary Jane Cobenias; her nephews Marcel Norcross and Robert Bueno Jr .; niece Cheryl Norcross; and many other family and special friends.

A traditional wake and service were held over May 27 and 28 in Onigum, with Ricky Defoe as spiritual advisor. Ken Rice, Forrest Bruce, Kris Cloud, Jon Whitebird, Joseph Bruce, Judd Brown and alternates Jonathan Wright, Mukwa Whitebird and Dee Bellanger were pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Ethel Bruce, Evie Monroe, Kathy Frazer, Kim Fohrenkam, Dawn Barney, Dixie Dibble and all of her nieces and nephews. Burial in the Old Agency Cemetery, Onigum. In keeping with the family’s request, please send only live plants, not cut flowers.

Genevieve’s care was entrusted to Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker.

Pine Knot News June 3, 2022.