Ernest "Ern"  Drift Jr.

Ernest "Ern" D. Drift Jr., 56, of Minneapolis and Nett Lake, passed away on Friday,June 23, 2017, in Minneapolis.

He was born on October 20, 1960, in Minneapolis to Ernest and Joyce (Skadsheim) Drift Sr.

He grew up in Minneapolis where he earned a Master of Business Administration Degree.  He lived in Minneapolis and Nett Lake most of his life and was a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.  Ern worked as a mason in building construction.  Everyone knew him as a "good guy" with a great sense of humor.  He was always willing to help anyone in whatever way he could.  Ern was an avid ricer, and looked forward to  the harvesting and processing of  Nett Lake wild rice. He was excellent pool player and liked fishing.   He will be missed by his family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Drift Sr., mother Joyce Skadsheim,  step-mother Betty Drift; a sister, Judy Drift and a nephew Devery Drift.

Ern is survived by 1 son, Jonathan Campbell-Drift; 3 brothers, Mike Drift, Jason Drift and Jarrod Ballinger; 5 sisters, Terri Drift, Debbie Drift, Kelly Lumbar, Denise Pieratos and Carol Donahue; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other special extended family and friends.

SERVICES: Traditional Tribal Services will be at 10 am Thursday (June 29 ^th ) at the Government and Community Services Center in Nett Lake, where the Wake will beginat 5 pm Wednesday.   Gilbert Smith will be the spiritual advisor, assisted by Gene Goodsky.  The casket bearers will be Tom Drift, Bradley Goodsky, Clarence Roy, Keith Roy, Waylon Drift and Dave Chavers.  The honorary bearers will be Richard "Sarge" Lumbar, Frank Villebrun and Mark Isham. Interment will be in the Nett Lake Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.