Dana "The Great Dane" Leslie Wakemup - December 14, 1972 – November 2, 2024.

Dana "The Great Dane" Leslie Wakemup, 51, of Nett Lake passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024.  Dana was born on December 14, 1972 on the side of the road on the way to Virginia. He was eager to come into the world, "I guess he didn't want to wait," said his mother. He attended school and lived in the Nett Lake area for most of his life until recent years when he lived in Duluth, MN. Dana had a lively personality and enjoyed joking with people. With a beaming smile himself, he loved to bring out a smile on people's face wherever he went. He radiated love and joy onto family and friends when he was with them. His warm smile and kindness will be truly missed by family and friends. Dana worked as a culinary artist for a period of time and enjoyed the pleasure of eating a variety of food, especially when he worked at Pickwick in Duluth. He enjoyed hiking and exploring the world, including southern California and North Dakota. He also enjoyed listening to music (rock), watching movies and playing video games.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Mabel Wakemup, and several aunts and uncles; and his beloved dog Apollo that he "allowed" his brother Daniel take care of for him (as Dana would say). Dana was especially close to Aunt Marge and had a deep appreciation for her.

Dana is survived by his mother, Alice Wakemup; sisters Carolyn Wakemup (Francis Littlewolf Jr.) and Toni Wakemup (Charles Graue); brothers Chuck Holmes, Daniel Wakemup (Bea Vue-Benson) and David Wakemup(Angel Santeramo); and many nieces and nephews.

A wake service will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 starting at 7:00pm. It will be followed by the funeral service on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10:00am. Both events will be at the Bois Forte Tribal Government 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772.