Michael “Cookie” Bearhart (Bidebwewidun) started his journey home to the Land of Everlasting on March 9, 2025. He was a great Keeper of the Faith who touched the lives of so many. Bideb will be missed dearly.

Bideb was born on September 18, 1969, along with his twin Michelle “Cupcake” Bearhart (Bidebwewudamokwe) to Johnny and Grace Bearhart. They were the youngest of seven children. And the most animated. Bideb was raised as the youngest singer of the Cumberland Singers, traveling and singing alongside his father Johnny. He was also raised to be a strong believer and caretaker of the traditional Big Drum.

As a boy, Bideb loved having a towel tied around his shoulders and pretended to fly like Superman. He also made several roads in the dirt around his home for all his Hot Wheels cars. Growing older into a young man, Bideb truly found his voice and calling. He was one of very few who memorized all the songs that belong to the traditional Big Drum by heart. Bideb, through this, was the first stick and lead singer of the Big Drum, teaching all his fellow singers the sacred songs. He shared the songs with other communities to keep the Big Drum traditions alive. In his final years, Bideb held “Drum Teaching” sessions, passing along the knowledge to as many people as he could. His voice was beautiful and brought so much spirit and life to the ceremonies.

Outside of the Big Drum ceremonies, Bideb was the lead singer of the Cumberland Singers and led the group to many championships during the 1980s. He was also a traditional dancer during his teenage years. Bideb enjoyed pow-wow singing and dancing until the day he passed and even founded the Maple Plain community pow-wows.

After 2000, Bideb became a father and, eventually, a grandfather. This was the biggest accomplishment of his life. Bideb cherished his grandchildren and he truly glowed with love and pride when he spoke of them. He spent every single moment he could with his grandkids and showered them with gifts and affection. Bideb always said he fought to stay on Earth as long as he could for his grandkids and he did for several years, despite his health.

He is survived by his significant other, Rolaine Bearhart; children, Ashley (Nelson Flettre) Flettre Bearhart, Colten Bearhart, Cheyenne (Luke) Bangsberg, Nick Bearhart, and Jesse Isbell; grandchildren, Wyatt and Morgan Flettre, Xander Bangsberg, Atlas Bearhart, Xylus and Xena Bangsberg; sister, Jeanne Awonohopay; half-brother, BahWahSung; nieces, Aimee and Amanda Awonohopay, and Tasia Lemieux; nephews, Anthony Awonohopay Jr. and Justin Lemieux; cousins, and many other relatives and friends. Michael was preceded in death by son, Orion Bearhart; grandson, Xerxes Bangsberg; parents, Johnny Sr. and Grace Bearhart; brothers, Louis and Curtis Bearhart, and Johnny Jr.; twin-sister, Michelle Bearhart; brother-in-law, Anthony Awonohopay Sr.; nephews, Tyrone Awonohopay Sr., Robert Lemeiux Jr., Curtis Bearhart Jr.; nieces, Nicole and Linda Bearhart.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Maple Plain Community Center with Vince Merrill officiating. Burial will be in Maple Plain Reserve Cemetery. Pallbearers are Nelson Flettre, Luke Bangsberg, Andy Bangsberg, Bill Rainey, Lonnie Benjamin, and Mike Taylor.

Visitation will begin at 3 PM on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Maple Plain Community Center.

Last Update: Mar 11, 2025 1:51 pm CDT