Bonajonce

John "Little Bird" Anderson, age 80, of Springbrook, died Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at his home.

John Augustus Anderson was born January 1, 1936 at the Hayward Indian Hospital, the son of Violet Thayer. He is an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. John attended elementary school in New Post, then went to Hayward High School, graduating in 1953. He graduated from U.W. Superior in 1962 with a B.S. in education. From 1962-1966, John taught at Grant School in Wausau, WI then in 1965, he returned to U.W.S. and earned a Master's Degree in Education-Superintendent Plan. In 2005, John received an Honorary Doctorate from Mount Senario in Ladysmith.

At the age of 23, John became the youngest tribal chair in the U.S. He served five years on the tribal governing board, three of them as president. John was one of the founders, and was the first president of L.C.O. Ojibwe Community College.

A lifelong educator, Dr., Anderson has been an elementary school principal, a Vista training officer, Director of the Native American Studies program at University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, and St. Scholastic in Duluth, MN. He also taught Native American Studies for Northland College in Ashland, and was a professor and Director of Native American Studies at Mount Senario College in Ladysmith.

John was an avid runner, completing many runs and marathons, including completing the Boston Marathon twice. He was an antique dealer for over 30 years.

After his retirement from Mount Senario College, John and his "Wiijiiwagan" (lifetime partner), Ginger taught cultural and spiritual workshops in schools camps, churches and other organizations. They also performed hundreds of ceremonies from naming to weddings to funerals.

Music and dance has always been an important part of John's life, and in his retirement years, he thoroughly enjoyed playing his ukulele and singing old songs. He became a wandering ministerial of sorts, entertaining in hospitals and nursing homes, stores clubs and churches.

He is survived by his life partner Ginger Wilcox; sons Bill (Jen) Levesque, Peter (Toni) Williams; three grandchildren Skylar, Aurora & James; sister Bernice Begay; many nephews, nieces, step-children; and his canine partner Murphy.

John was preceded by his mother Violet; foster parents Nellie Olson & Billy DeBrot; brother/cousin Clayton Wabshall.

The Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 15th at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward. Rev. Gary Hilgendorf officiated with music provided by The Mennonite Singers. Burial was in New Post Cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, July 14th from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Honorary bearers were Bob Bergum, Jeremy Deen, Frank Galli, Gary Hilgendorf, Peter Marshall, M.D. and Todd Miller.

Casket bearers were Bahe Begay, Pete Huot, Kemo-Gary Kimisek, Jim LaBonte, Guyaushk (James E. Pete) and Peter Williams.