Leonard "Sonny" McDougal, age 82, died Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen, MN.

Leonard McDougal, son of Leonard Joseph and Catherine (Morgan) McDougall, was born on April 1, 1933 in White Earth, MN. He grew up in Naytahwaush and attended school both there and in Flandreau, SD. Sonny was drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed in Korea. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home. On November 9, 1957, Sonny was united in marriage to Jeanne Goodwin; the couple made their first home in Grand Portage. They then lived in Thief River Falls where Sonny attended school, studying auto mechanics. Later they moved to Ely and he worked as a mechanic for over 20 years. Following his retirement, Sonny and Jeanne returned home to Naytahwaush. He was employed for many years as the lighting director at the Shooting Star Casino. During that time, he was also the Ojibwe language teacher for Naytahwaush Elementary, language consultant for the Naytahwaush Community Charter School and the White Earth Nation, and Ojibwe round table instructor in Naytahwaush and White Earth. Sonny's true passion was music; he always had a guitar in hand. Sonny played in various bands over the years. He really enjoyed playing with his uncles and brother.

Sonny was a kind, caring, and gentle man who was proud of his Ojibwe heritage. He had a heart for giving and never told anyone "No" when they needed help. Over the years, Sonny was a helping handing hand to many elders. He also maintained the Samuel Memorial Cemetery. He was a founding school board member for the Naytahwaush Community Charter School. Sonny was the recipient of many awards but was most proud to be voted Elder of the Year for the White Earth Nation, the Minnesota Indian Education Association, and the Naytahwaush Harvest Festival. In his free time, Sonny loved to tinker and fix things. He also had beautiful old cars that he enjoyed. He had a soft spot in his heart for all animals and loved to feed and watch the birds. Sonny cherished his family and always spoiled his nieces and nephews. He was humbled by the compassion his friends and family showed as they cared for him during his illness. The memories he made and his tender spirit will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Jeanne, of Naytahwaush; one brother, Earl (Eileen) McDougall of Naytahwaush; five sisters, Janice (Marcell) Goodwin of Ebro, MN, Norma Fitzgerald of Monroeville, PA, Maxine (Paul) Boswell of Waubun, MN, Gloria (Clinton) Goodwin of Bagley, MN, and Suzanne (Dean) Bishop of Waubun, MN; an aunt, Verna Millage of Ogema, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Vernon; two sisters, Verna and Katherine; and two brothers-in-law, Dennis Fitzgerald and George Goodwin Jr.

Time of gathering was held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00, on Friday, November 27th at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush. Funeral services were held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2015, at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church. Inurnment was held at Samuel Memorial Cemetery.