“Every person needs moccasins to wear for all occasions in life and death.”

Miscobinayshii “Gaagebiikwe,” 91, passed away September 17, 2024, at home with her family by her side in Round Lake—Luck, Wisconsin.

Misco was born November 7th, 1932, on the Maple Plain reservation in Cumberland, Wisconsin. Misco accomplished many things in her life, including many awards, such as an Inspirational Life Award, the Community Spirit Award for moccasin making, and the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award for exceptional native artists. She wrote and published a book of memoirs that told her life story, showcased in Washington, D.C., at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of the American Indian. Misco created a pair of moccasins for the Madeline Island Jingle Dress Dancer Project. She taught many to speak the Ojibwe Language and how to make moccasins, which she loved to do. During the summer, she hosted “Grandma Misco’s Rice Camp,” where she taught young and old how to harvest and finish wild rice.

Misco is survived by daughters Susan Lowe and Cindy Fowler, sons Patrick Fowler Sr., Steve Fowler, and Loyd Fowler, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Misco adopted many, whom she called her children and grandchildren.

Misco is preceded in her passing by Ben “Chief” Skinaway Sr., daughter Sharon Fowler, grandsons, Anthony Rogers, Tyson Lowe and Mitchell Fowler and, sister Margaret Hart.

Pallbearers—Travis Lowe, Michael Mallory, Nathan Fisk, Marcell Merrill, and Jacob Dahlberg

Honorary Pallbearers—Joshua Richardson, Vicente Mundo, Darrell Fierro, Chad Songetay Sr., and Marty Songetay.

Giga-waabamininim miinawaa

Visitation will begin at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Maple Plain Community Center, 247 25 3/4 Avenue, Cumberland, WI. Traditional Funeral Ceremonies will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Maple Plain Community Center.

Last Update: Sep 19, 2024 3:35 pm CDT