Dawn Marie Strong

Dawn Marie Strong, "Makade-miiqwan-ikwe"- meaning Black Feather Woman, 48, Nett Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.
She was born on April 8, 1967, in Euclid, Ohio, to Wilbert Sr. and Patricia (Tibbetts) Strong. She grew up in Nett Lake. Dawn is a Veteran of the United States Army and honorably served her country during the Desert Storm campaign in Kuwait. After her tour of duty she settled her family for several years in various states before returning to Nett Lake. Dawn worked as the Data & Finance Specialist for the Bois Forte Health & Human Services Department for the last 7 years. She also worked with the Bois Forte EMS Crew from 2009 to the present time as a dedicated First Responder. In addition, she served as part of the Bois Forte Honor Guard for a short time. Dawn was a very proud mother and later a foster-care provider. Her home and heart were always open to those who needed help, assistance, a place to stay, food, or just to have some fun.
When she wasn't working, she spent her time with as many family members as possible, whether participating in cookouts to providing everyday help. She's fondly recalled for her ability to make numerous repairs with superglue, and her enjoyment at any chance to get her hands dirty. Her loved ones recall her dare devil attitude, fun-loving personality and accident prone nature. A caring and uncommonly kind, giving person, she was seen greeting most with a smile and constantly cutting jokes. Dawn's greatest pride was her family, especially her children, siblings and father. She was also grateful for her good friends at work and her four-legged companion Piper of 8 years. She will be dearly missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her mother: Patricia Strong (1973), 4 brothers: Gregory Strong (1980), Gary Strong (2000), Kristopher Strong (2011) and Wilbert "Sonny" Strong (2014).
Dawn is survived by her children: Joshua Strong of Nett Lake, Jacob Heggen of the state of Virginia and Christen (fiancée: Joshua Crout) Heggen of Remington, Virginia; her father, Wilbert Strong Sr. of Nett Lake; her dear friend Leonard Howard of Deer River, MN; 2 special foster children: Jaiden and Lilionna "Lili"; 2 sisters: Connie Strong of Duluth and Kathy (Kenneth Lien Sr.) Strong of Nett Lake; her beloved pets, Piper and Phoebe; 2 foster brothers: John and Charlie Kinninen; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
SERVICES: Traditional Tribal Services will be at 10:00 am Wednesday (May 13th) at the Nett Lake Government and Services Center, where visitation will begin at 4:00 pm Tuesday. The Spiritual Leader will be Steve Jackson. Participating will be the Bois Forte Traditional/Berens Drum. The casket bearers will be nephews: Carl "Jay R." Carlson III., Jonathan Carlson, Gregory "Chesty" Strong, Shane Lien and Luke Strong. The honorary bearers will be the nieces: Cheryl Carlson, Sophia Lien, Patricia Lien, Denise Brown, Emma Lien, Tracy Howg and "Nikki" Isham, along with EMS Director Michael Connor and the Bois Forte EMS Crew. Interment will be in the Nett Lake Village Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.