John Turpin "Sungmanito Wanagi", age 72, of Mahnomen, MN, died Monday, August 23, 2021, under the loving care of family and hospice of the Red River Valley.

John Thomas Turpin was born to Clyde Turpin and Geraldine Villebrun, on July 4, 1949, in Minneapolis, MN.  As a child, he was lovingly raised by his mother, Geraldine and father, Ervin Goodwin in the Mahnomen area.  They later they lived in Duluth, MN, until the early 1960's, when his family moved to Minneapolis. John graduated from high school and later proudly earned his bachelor's degree. He spent a few years working with the Black Panther political party, spending much of his time in California, fighting against police brutality.  Unfortunately, John made a few poor choices and was in and out of the prison system throughout much of his life.  John always considered Mahnomen his home and enjoyed his life here.  He was also employed at the Shooting Star Casino for a time.  John loved to play chess and became an accomplished player.  He was an avid fan of 2Pac rap music and enjoyed spending time with friends and family when he was able.  After his cancer diagnosis, John returned home to be with his family, where he was lovingly cared for by his sister, Ninny.   His Native American heritage was an important part of his life and will travel with him to the spirit world.

John leaves behind four sisters: Mary (Skip) Weigelt of Morgan, MN, Ninny Goodwin of Mahnomen, Charli (Ken) Lacey of St. Paul, MN, and Bobbi (Poncho) Rodriguez of Bloomington, MN; two brothers: Craig (Donna) Goodwin of Richfield, MN, and Guy Goodwin of Mahnomen, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings: Clyde, Merton, Gary, Terry, Sandy, Todd, and Carolyn; sister-in-law, Bonnie Turpin; and his nephew, Matthew Larson.

A Traditional Indian Burial will be held Friday, August 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Duane Cemetery, rural Mahnomen.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced.