Shirlene Wakemup, age 69, of Bemidji, MN, formerly of Naytahwaush, MN, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Shirlene Claire Burnette was born on February 23, 1956, in White Earth, MN, to John Burnette and Thelma (Wadena) Coleman. She was given the Indian name Awanibiisikwe. Shirlene grew up on the White Earth Reservation and attended Mahnomen High School. In the late 1980s, Shirlene married Roger Wakemup, the couple later separated in the late 1990s. After high school, she moved to the Twin Cities and earned her certification from the Minneapolis Barber School in 1992. She enjoyed cutting hair—often doing it for her family and even herself. Shirlene also obtained her childcare development associate certificate.

Over the years, Shirlene held many roles, including working as a blackjack pit boss at Shooting Star Casino, managing the Minneapolis & Naytahwaush Childcare Centers, and as a personal care assistant. But the job she loved most was helping raise her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy- as were all children.

Shirlene had a generous heart and an open door. She was always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear. Creative and skilled with her hands, she enjoyed beading, sewing, crafting, coloring, and puzzles, and was devoted to caring for her houseplants. She lovingly made regalia for all of her grandchildren, ensuring they could dance proudly in their traditions.

She was also an incredible cook—famous among family and friends for what many called "the best fry bread White Earth has ever seen." Wherever Shirlene went, she could be heard humming or singing, bringing warmth and comfort to those around her.

Shirlene is survived by her daughters: Nicole Goodman, Stephanie Turner (Ray "Hoppy" Conner), Chasity Burnette, Deanna Wakemup, Leslie Wakemup, and Sharon Sargent; sons, Bruce Turner and Lawrence Sargent Sr.; grandchildren: Devan, Ashley, Raeanna, Lynnea, Tabitha, Daizy, Kenneth, Farrah, Lailee, Dallas, Jasmin, Luna, Ezra, Tarren, Corey, Tavion, Penelope, Chad Jr., Bishop, Josephine, Caleigh, and Cassidy; many great-grandchildren; brothers: David (Beth) Burnette, Jeffery Coleman (Dolly Beaulieu), and Dale Accobee; sister: Diane Accobee; and a special friend, Michael Keezer.

She was preceded in death by her son, Adam "Ice" Burnette; grandson, Wayne Goodman; parents: John Burnette and Thelma Coleman; siblings: Faith Burnette, Floyd Burnette, Denise Burnette, Delmar Burnette, and Mike Accobee; neice, ShiAnn Coleman; son-in-law, Timothy "Tim Dawg" Goodman and a special friend, Arne Martin.

Traditional Services will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, Naytahwaush, MN.  All-night Wake Services will begin on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 5:00 pm with a ceremony at 7:00 pm and continue until the time of the service on Thursday.