Watch Nakoya's Funeral

Nakoya "Boob" Keezer, age 45, of Flom, MN, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at his home.

Nakoya Harris Keezer was born on November 28, 1977, in Minneapolis, MN.  He grew up in the Waubun, MN, area with loving parents, Jerri and Dove, three sisters, a brother and special family friend, Melvin.  Nakoya attended school in Waubun, where he played basketball and football.  He graduated with the Class of 1996 from Waubun High School and then entered the workforce.  Nakoya worked in construction for a few different contractors but decided early on that the way of life for him was out in nature.

Nakoya was more than just a nature enthusiast – he was an expert trapper, a dedicated leecher, a passionate harvester of wild rice and maple syrup in addition to being an avid hunter and fisherman.  These activities weren't just hobbies; they were his way of forging a deep and primal connection with nature and he found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that only the wilderness could provide.  He thought of himself as a Professional Trapper!  Nakoya had a great passion for nature and mother earth, often teaching his children, nieces and nephews the traditional Anishinaabeg ways.  He was proud to pass his wisdom on to others even though sometimes he could be a bit of a storyteller.  Nakoya's heart was always in the right place, and he loved spending time with friends and family and was often overprotective of them, especially his sisters.  Although gone from this life too soon, Nakoya will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his mom, Dove Keezer-Thompson of Flom; his children: Keenen Kier, Julien LaFriniere, Niko LaFriniere and Aiden Keezer; three sisters: Verna (Robert) Thompson of Flom, Laura (Jamie) Erickson of Waubun, MN, and Josie Keezer of White Earth; special family friend, Melvin Maha of Flom; two uncles, Jeff (Tiffany) Thompson of Mahnomen and Jim (Karen) Thompson of Twin Valley; and two aunts, Laura (Tim) Smith of White Earth, MN, and LoAnn Boyd of Onamia, MN.  Nakoya was preceded in death by his dad, Jerri; a brother, Jeremy; grandparents, Harry and Irene Keezer and Jerome and LaDonna Thompson, in addition to other extended family members.

Blessed be the memory of Nakoya Keezer.

A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Columba Episcopal Church in White Earth, MN. Visitation will be held Monday, August 28 from 5-7 pm with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 pm at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN. Burial will be in the St. Columba Episcopal Cemetery in White Earth.