Madwewe Giizhigookwe

Penny D. Nickence, age 48, of Lac Courte Oreilles, WI died Thursday, February 18, 2021 at her home.

Penny Diane Nickence was born November 23, 1972 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Louie Nickence and Sandra Taylor. She attended Flandreau Indian School for 9 ^th and 10 ^th grade and then returned to graduate from LCO High School in 1992. Penny was a member of the International Brotherhood of Ironworkers – Local 63 in Chicago. She was a journeyman in the union during the years 2000 – 2010 & 2017. Penny was a certified welder and heavy equipment operator. She was very proud of her work at Solider Field, home of the Chicago Bears of which she was a fan. Penny worked on various building along Chicago Skyline. She enjoyed sewing and various crafts but her greatest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren. Penny shared her life with her partner Herbert "Buffalo" Clause and together they enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren. She will be remembered for being the Keno "Sabe" Queen.

She is survived by her significant  other Buffalo Clause; daughters Teah Nickence (Rocky Butler), Nicolette Trepania & Paige Trepania; son Cody Nickence (Jaden Fleming); seven grandchildren; father Louie Nickence; sisters Kristen Nickence, Sonya (Bryan Sam) Taylor, Holly Thayer (Kyril Kiutukcief); brother Kevin Thayer & J.P; special friends Candace Wilber, April Conger, Danielle Benson & Cheyenne Taylor; many nephews & nieces.

Penny was preceded in death by her mother Sandra Taylor; step-father Larry Tainter; sister Rena Taylor; aunt Betty Nickence; and her daughters father Bradley Trepania.

Tribal Funeral Rites were held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 22, 2021 at Big Drum Ceremonial Center in Lac Courte Oreilles. Chato "Ombishkebines" Gonzalez  officiated. Burial was in New Post Cemetery. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 21 ^st at Big Drum Ceremonial Center.

Honorary bearers were Danielle Benson, April Conger, Traci Denn, Paula Emery, MaryAnn Hammond, Kimberly Kakazu and Candace Wilber.

Casket Bearers were Eric Clause, Gary Clause, Richard Denn, Jordan Gurneau, Tom Tainter and Robert Trepania.