Jerelle James Bigbear, age 27, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Thursday, September 4, 2014, at Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND.
Jerelle was born on March 1, 1987, in Minneapolis, MN, where he lived until moving with his family to Naytahwaush at the age of 3. He attended Naytahwaush Elementary School and later Mahnomen High School in Mahnomen, MN. Following his education, Jerelle worked at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, as a Mustang Lead.
He served as a camp counselor at Camp Corbett for a couple of summers, through St. Anne's Church. Jerelle joined the Twin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department on August 7, 2013. He was proud of being a firefighter and enjoyed training with other departments. He also greatly enjoyed playing basketball, fishing, camping, gambling and hanging out with his friends. His greatest love was spending time with his nephews: Michael Anderson, Colten Johnson, Xavier Weaver, Joel Weaver, Michael Thompson III; and nieces, Mayata Bigbear and Riley Farley.
Jerelle is survived by his parents, Darwin Bigbear Sr. and Amy Bigbear, both of Naytahwaush; a brother, Darwin Bigbear Jr.; three sisters: Janelle Bigbear, Amy (Dustin) Bigbear, all of Naytahwaush and Krista (Mike) Bigbear of Rice Lake, MN; nieces, nephews, cousins and many aunts and uncles. Surviving also are his grandparents, Karen and David Wilson and Darrell "Boone" Wadena. Preceding him in death were his grandmas: Katherine Bigbear, Mercedes Reyes, Donna Kimball and Avonelle Sargent and his uncles: Jimmy and Cubby Bigbear and Brian Sargent.
Visitation began September 8, 2014, at the home of his mother, Amy Bigbear, in Naytahwaush and continued until 3 pm on Tuesday, September 9th, at which time he was moved to the Twin Lakes Fire Hall in Naytahwaush. Visitation continued there until the time of Funeral Services at 11 am on Wednesday, September 10th, at the Fire Hall. Spiritual leaders were David Hoagland and Lew Murray. Pallbearers were Daniel Wadena, Grant Rivera, Shannon Burnette Jr., Vincent Lovejoy, Gene Lang, Walter Skramstad, Eric Turner and Leroy Wadena. Honorary pallbearers were Grandma Karen (Dave) Wilson, all of Jerelle's sisters and brothers, nieces, nephews, the Twin Lakes Fire Department and all of his fellow firefighters.