Shirley Mae LaDuke

About Shirley

Shirley Mae LaDuke, “Nahbun,” 80, of Cass Lake, MN passed peacefully Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at her home in Cass Lake, MN.

She was born on March 3, 1942, in Cass Lake, MN, the daughter of Gabriel “Guy” LaDuke and Maefred VanOss. She was raised and educated in Cass Lake, and for a time in Minneapolis, before her family moved back to Cass Lake.

She attended and then graduated from Bemidji State University in 1976. Her legacy goes far beyond her commitment as a mother and grandmother to her own. Her work in education for Native children echoes now and forever through the Cass Lake educational system that so many of our community’s families are part of today.

She labored tirelessly to improve the lives of Native kids in the Cass Lake community through education and building pride in our cultural identity. Grass roots efforts and standoffs with the sheriff were just the beginning of her advocacy. And it worked. She went on to serve the community as the Indian Education director for the Cass Lake Bena school district.

Soon after she used her college degree to bring education directly to the classroom teaching at Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig, Heart of the Earth Survival School, and Cass Lake Schools. She never wasted a moment using the voice and spirit the Creator gifted her with to make a better world for all in her community.

Towards the end of her career she worked for Leech Lake in Human Resources and finally with Leech Lake Housing. She was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cass Lake. She participated and volunteered in the Parent’s Committee-WML, and with the Leech Lake Boys and Girls Club.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, gardening, taking drives around Cass Lake pointing out the history of the area, writing, and visiting with friends over a cup of coffee. She loved crafting and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her: Children, Alden (Vickie) Fairbanks Sr., James (Iris) Dean Fairbanks, Teresa LaDuke, Geraldine Littlewolf, Faith Littlewolf, Connie (Brian) Littlewolf, Rebecca Littlewolf, Sarah (Duane) Brown, Stephanie (George) Northbird, Gordon Northbird Jr., Mike Castillo, Sister, Gloria Annemarie Dunn, and her special dog Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents Maefred and Eirving D. Arey, father Gabriel “Guy” LaDuke, Siblings Bruce “Sonny” VanOss, Rodney LaDuke, Tanya LaDuke, grandsons Benjamin Northbird, Tristan Fairbanks, and Carter Fairbanks.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Shirley

April 20, 2022

Location: Veteran’s Memorial Building in Cass Lake, MN. A wake will begin at 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2022, at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, and will continue until the time of the service. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home