Frances Decorah

Frances “Frenchie” Ann Decorah (Nakamigookwe) , age 74, of Hertel, WI, passed away Saturday morning, June 10, 2017. Frances was born in Hayward, WI, on January 26, 1943, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Taylor) Oiyotte.  She attended public schools in Siren, WI, and was a 1961 graduate of Siren High School.  She furthered her education at University of Wisconsin in River Falls and in Stout. On September 26, 1963, Frenchie married Stuart Owen Decorah in Chicago, IL.  He preceded her in death on February 24, 2003. Frenchie was employed over twenty years as an Educator at the Siren School District, and encouraged and supported the Native American students.  An inspiration to others, Frenchie was very active in tribal affairs.  She was a strong proponent of the rich culture and traditions of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians, and promoted Affirmative Action within the tribe.  Frenchie was also highly involved with the annual pow-wows, youth celebrations, and Elder luncheons, all of which she greatly enjoyed.  She also loved reading, especially romance novels. Frenchie is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Oiyotte; her husband, Stuart; a daughter, Kimberly Phernetton; foster son, Lyle Yoder; and siblings: John Oiyotte, Ann Oiyotte, Harriet LaSarge, Doris Emery, and Angeline Johnson.  She is survived by her sons: Michael (Marla) Decorah, Patrick Decorah, and Ryan (Danielle) Decorah; son-in-law, Scott Phernetton; grandsons: Jordan, Preston, Justin, Brandon, Payton, Cameron, Owen, and Dylan; granddaughters: Katrina (Josiah), Charisse, Deanna (fiancé’ Jordan), Shawnee, Justine, and Ann; great-grandchildren: Jocelyn and Josiah; and a sister, Beverly Oustigoff. Relatives and friends of Frenchie Decorah may call after 4:00 pm on Monday, June 12, 2017, at the St. Croix Tribal Center in Hertel. The funeral service will be conducted beginning at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 13 th at the tribal center with Anton Treuer officiating.  Interment will be with at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI. Casket bearers are: Dino Oustigoff, Al Oustigoff, Duane Emery, Jay Emery, Carson Funmaker, and Rodney Mallory.   Honorary bearers are: Joe Oustigoff, Neil Oustigoff, Chad Songetay, Sr., Delane Emery, Conrad St. John, Tristen Oustigoff, Chad Songetay, Jr., Danny Taylor, Jerry LaSarge, Robert Oiyotte, and Reuben Mixsooke. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com .