Bezhigogaabaw
"One who Stands Alone"

John C. Kagigebi, age 62, of Lac Courte Oreilles, died peacefully, Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at his home in Minnetonka, MN.

John Charles Kagigebi was born August 29th, 1959 in Hayward Wisconsin, the firstborn son of John and Muriel Kagigebi. He was raised in the Twin Cities, growing up close to his grandmother and uncle Donald. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1977. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Duluth to attend classes at UMD.

In 1985, John was united in marriage to Shelly Collver and quickly had three kids. They lived on the reservation for several years and then John moved his family to Wisconsin Dells in the 1990's to pursue a career at the Hochunk Casino.

In 2003, John moved to Cloquet, MN where he took college classes earning an Associate's degree. In 2019, he moved to Minnetonka so he could be closer to his son, Bobby. John loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing golf, playing cards, and listening to old country music.

He is survived by his children Robert (Meghan) Kagigebi, Ariel (Justin) Westbrook, and Joshua Kagigebi; sister Rosalie Gokee; sister-in-law Christine Kagigebi; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Doug Kagigebi.

Tribal Funeral Rites began at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 7, 2022, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center in Lac Courte Oreilles. Skip Churchill officiated. Burial was in Kagigebi Family Cemetery. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center.

Honorary casket bearers were Gary Belille, Douglas John "DJ" Kagigebi, Larry Kagigebi, Rick Kagigebi, Javier Llera & Donny Quaderer.

Casket bearers were Stuart Belille, Donald Bildeau Jr., Darren Kagigebi, Jared Kagigebi, Josiah Thunder & Justin Westbrook.