Beverly Jean Oustigoff “Wemitigoozhikwe,” 83, a resident of Webster, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home with her loved ones by her side on April 16, 2023.
Bev was born on July 10, 1939, in Sand Lake Township to parents Joseph and Mary Oiyotte.
Bev touched many kids lives over the years. Bev helped with the fundraising for J.O.M. Homeschool and was the coordinator for 28 years. She started the first day care and Head Start programs for the St. Croix Tribal Center. Bev also helped start the summer youth feeding program.
Over the years Bev worked as the head cook for the St. Croix Tribal Youth Camp. She was the mentor for the tribal education and her last job was working at the elder advocate office. Bev was a member of the GLITC Foster Grandparent Program for many years and was part of the Big Drum Society for over 40 years. Bev and her sister, Fran, started the high school powwows in Siren, Wisconsin, and the surrounding schools which are still held to this day.
In Bev’s free time she enjoyed going to the casino and playing her favorite slot machines, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.
Bev was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Angeline, Doris, Harriet, Ann and Frances; brother, John; granddaughter, Courtney Oustigoff; and great-grandson, Chad Songetay Jr.
She is survived by her children, Leva (Barb LaBlanc) Oustigoff Jr., Laura (Jeremy Littlepipe) Oustigoff, Joe Oustigoff, Alvin (Christa Kilen) Oustigoff and Neil (Karen Washington) Oustigoff Sr.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with other relatives and many friends.
A funeral service was held Thursday, April 20, at St. Croix Tribal Center in Hertel with spiritual leaders Anton Treuer, Vince Merrill and Mike Taylor. Interment followed at Sand Lake Cemetery with pallbearers Chad Songetay, Tristin Oustigoff, Neil Oustigoff Jr., Andrew Timp, Pat Decorah and Jeremy Littlepipe. Honorary pallbearers were Daniel Taylor, Scott Phernetton, George Reynolds, Jeff Nelson, James Emery, Carmine Songetay, Ealen Oustigoff, David Taylor, Caleil Songetay, Koner Lamson, Murdock Smith and Jalen Lamson.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.
