Watch Lorna's Celebration of Life

Lorna LaGue, age 57, of Waubun, MN, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Lorna Jean Wichern was born on October 21, 1964, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Bert and Victoria (Littlewolf) Wichern. Lorna graduated from Waubun High School with the class of 1983. On November 2, 1982, Lorna was united in marriage to Anthony "Tony" LaGue Sr. During their marriage, they were blessed with two children, Ann and Anthony Jr. The couple later divorced. In 1990, Lorna worked for the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen as their first Human Resources Director, as well as assisted in starting up the tribal college. In 1997, she moved to Bemidji, MN, where she worked at Anderson Fabrics from 1998 to 2000 as the Human Resources Manager before taking the role as Assistant Manager at the Red Lake Casino from 2000 to 2002. Lorna then moved back to Mahnomen and began working for White Earth Reservation Tribal Council as the Special Projects Director and Executive Assistant until 2012. During this time, Lorna attended the University of Minnesota – Crookston in 2009 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Lorna also spent time with Skip Ashton and cared for his son, Cody, like one of her own. Lorna began working for the US Department of Human Services – Indian Health Services as the administrative officer from 2012 to 2014. To further her education, Lorna went on to receive her Masters Degree in Public Administration from Capella University in 2013, graduating with distinction.   In 2014, she went back to the White Earth RTC as the Constitutional Reform Program Director, along with the Zaagibagaang Organization, where she was working on implementing the new White Earth Constitution. During these years and for the remainder of her life, Lorna helped many other organizations with grant writing. In 2017, Lorna was united in marriage to Bill Boutwell, her friend of many years. From 2016 to 2018, Lorna worked for the White Earth Tribal and Community College as the Director of Development before becoming the President in mid-2018 until 2021. In 2022, Lorna began working as the tribal liaison for the commissioner's staff for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Lorna was loved for her joyous personality and strong leadership skills. She was a proud Ojibwe woman who believed in the potential of the White Earth Nation. Politics and education played a large roll in Lorna's life and she enjoyed being a mentor to many. She was proud to be on the University of Minnesota – Crookston American Indian Advisory Council and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.  Lorna believed in a "hand up instead of a handout" approach. She was also on the board of directors for the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation for 8 years. Never to let her hands be idle, Lorna filled her free time in her garden growing beautiful flowers, beading many cherished pieces, and being outdoors fishing or riding motorcycle with Bill. Lorna cherished spending time with her grandchildren and traveling.

Lorna is survived by her husband, Bill Boutwell; children, Ann (Bob Chastek) LaGue, Anthony "Buddy" (Chelsea) LaGue Jr.; son at heart, Jason Fagre; five grandchildren: Madison, Parker, Karley, Thomas, and Lexie Kay; parents, Bert and Vicky Wichern; brother, Allen "Sonny" Wichern; sister, Peggy (Phillip) Brunner; and many extended family. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and niece, Landa Jean Wichern.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex. A Time of Gathering will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Sports Complex.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available on the website.

***Please Note: Hwy 200 is under construction so please make alternative travel plans and adjustments to your schedule when attending her services at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex.