Edward John Bellanger Jr., age 68, of Naytahwaush, MN, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at his home.

Edward was born May 18, 1952, in White Earth, MN, the son of Edward Sr. and June (Peabody) Bellanger.  His early years were spent in the Naytahwaush area until 1965 when the family moved to Milwaukee, WI.  Ed attended school at Bay View Middle School followed by South Division High School.  In 1973, he moved back to the area and furthered his education at the Vo-Tech in Detroit Lakes, MN.  Ed moved to the Minneapolis, MN, metro in 1975 but returned to the White Earth Reservation later in 1978, where he has lived since.  He worked at the Shooting Star Casino in Kitchen Maintenance followed by several years at the Center for Human Environment east of Mahnomen, MN.  Ed's past several years have been spent enjoying his retirement and living off the land.  Ed liked ricing, leeching and spending time in the great outdoors.

Ed was a caring individual who was friendly, had a great sense of humor and liked to joke around.  He enjoyed tinkering on cars and attending pow wows whenever he could.  Above all, one of the things he most looked forward to was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He had a special bond with his granddaughter, Jordain.

Edward is survived by three sons: Jason (Brittney) Bellanger of Mahnomen, Blaise (Amanda) Neeland of Rice Lake, MN, and Damion (Theresa) Gullickson of Cass Lake, MN; 25 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; lifelong friend and partner, Dolly of Naytahwaush and a brother, Bernard Bellanger of Milwaukee, WI; aunt, Verl Fairbanks and uncle, Arnold Peabody both of Milwaukee.  He was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren: Skyler, Janay, Raina, and Tyler; siblings: Steven Bellanger, Kenneth Bellanger and Doreen Sudar; nephew, Wayne Bellanger and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral Services for Ed will be held Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 12:00 pm at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, Naytahwaush, MN. Visitation will begin Monday, May 3, 2021 at 5:00 pm with a Wake Service at 7:00 pm at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex.  Visitation will continue until the service on Tuesday.  Burial will take place in the Traditional Burial Grounds, Naytahwaush.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.