Watch Punkin's Funeral

Charles "Punkin" Hanks Jr., age 83, of White Earth, MN, died on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Moorhead Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Moorhead, MN.

Charles Louis Jr. was born February 1, 1940, in White Earth, MN, the son of Charles Louis Sr. and Margaret (Ahbedaush) Hanks.  He grew up in the White Earth area where he attended school.  Following high school, Punkin entered the workforce and began as a lumberjack in Grand Portage.  He traveled all over the country working a wide variety of jobs.  Over the years, Punkin worked for Hellgrin Brothers, Peterson Truck Farm, as a ride operator for the carnival, driving truck for the sugar beet campaign, building houses in addition to many others. After several years he returned to the White Earth Reservation to put down roots.  At age 35, he quit drinking and smoking and became a single parent of two children. Punkin became a traditional and spiritual man and a huge advocate against drinking among his native people, especially the youth.  He furthered his education with carpentry classes at the Detroit Lakes Vo-Tech. An unfortunate on the job injury prohibited him from continuing a life of manual labor and he turned his work to helping through the church and the youth.  He spoke to the youth at many schools and substance abuse programs and started a Talking Circle in Waubun for the youth.  He taught them respect, beading, gardening, and maple syruping.  Punkin was the Chairman for the Johnson O'Malley program for two years and the Chairman for the White Earth Community Council for 18+ years.  He became very involved with St. Columba Episcopal Church in White Earth serving as both Jr. and Sr. Warden, lay minister, helping with readings and leading wake services until they were able to get a full time Priest. Punkin learned to sing Ojibwe from his elders, and he's been singing for over 50 years.  He was part of the group, "The Ojibwe Singers", who sang at many events like funerals, wake services, graduations, and Christmas songs at the casino.  Their group traveled all over singing and were honored to sing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.  Punkin was also honored to be featured in two books, Honoring Elders: Aging, Authority, and Ojibwe Religion, and Ojibwe Singers, written by Michael McNally.

In his younger years, he played football, basketball, and enjoyed berry picking and fishing.  In more recent years, he liked playing cards, word search puzzles, watching old westerns and WWE on television and attending pow wows.  Above all, Punkin loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  Throughout his many travels, he met many people and always parted ways as friends. He will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him, but his spirit will live on in their hearts.

Punkin is survived by a daughter, Brenda (Tim) Antell of Mahnomen and their children: Courtney (Joshua), B, Drake, Kaitlan, Jordan (Brianna) and Dradan; and grandchildren: Elijah, Elias, Ethan, Drake Jr., John, Azalea, one arriving in 2024,  Alexis, Peyton, Mackenzie, Karen, Michael, Joshua Jr., and Manny; a son,  Charles Louis III of White Earth and his children: Scott, Shayleigh, Devon, Miya, Meya, Alisea, Conner, Chasity, Sophie, Sonnoma, Sheldon, Charlie, Ciara, Bunny, Alawna, Betty, Bella, Jimmy and PatPat; and grandchildren: Scott "Junebug" Jr., Aalaya, Jeremiah, Michael, Violet, Mathew, Nishiime, King, Braxten, Gracelynn, Esperenza, Khaleesi and Arlo.

In addition, Punkin is survived by two sisters, Ethel (Bob) Davey of Finley, ND, and Marilyn Teiken of Mahnomen; two brothers, Richard "Wayne" (Susan) Hanks of White Earth and LeRoy "Walleye" Hanks of Waubun and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded by his parents; six brothers: Julius "Rat", Ronald "Duck", Robert "Otis", Dallas "Kiddo", Elvis "Beaver", and John "Gook"; three sisters: Marge Bellanger, Goldie Hanks and Laverne Hanks.

Blessed be the memory of Charles "Punkin" Hanks Jr.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at St. Columba Episcopal Church in White Earth, MN, with a Prayer Service led by the Ojibwe Hymn Singers beginning at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at St. Columba. Burial will be in St. Columba Episcopal Cemetery, White Earth.