Bernard Sanapaw Obituary

Bernard Henry "Bernardie" Sanapaw, Jr., age 65, passed away on Sunday July 6, 2025, in Appleton. Bernard was born on June 2, 1960, in Keshena to Velma (Lawe) Sanapaw and the late Bernard "Benny" Sanapaw, Sr. He attended various schools in Chicago, Illinois, including O-Wai-Ya-Wa, Goudy, Little Big Horn, Senn High School and Truman College. Bernard was well known for his fry bread as big as your face at local Pow Wows and farmers markets. He was a big Bears and Cubs fan, never missing a chance to watch the games. Bernard loved to go to the casinos, he would always say he was one of their biggest supporters. In his free time, he enjoyed going to concerts and playing his guitar, which he was very talented and enjoyed beading. Bernard's family always came first; he was a wonderful caregiver to his mother, always cared and supported his sisters, great uncle to his nieces and nephews. His family and friends will remember him for being the kind of person you would call on and he would be there without questions asked. Bernard was an amazing son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend; he will be deeply missed.
Bernard is survived by his mother, Velma Sanapaw; siblings, Roger (Annie) Sanapaw, Dennis Sanapaw, Mike Sanapaw, Jamie Sanapaw, Ruth Sanapaw, Brenda Lawe, Lynnette (John) Maskewit, Loretta Hopinka and Aaron Weso; godchildren, Sasha Sanapaw, Josh Lawe, Alicia Hopinka and Carol James; special nephews, Cruz Hopinka, Aurelio Weso and Alejandro Weso; special niece, Valentina; and his lifelong friend, Sean Degrand. He is further survived by numerous nieces, cousins, aunties, uncles, other relatives and friends.
Bernard is preceded in death by his father, Benny Sanapaw, Sr.; sister, Ann Spencer; special older sister, Pamela Daub; and grandparents, Ruth Lawe Tepiew, Francis "Potchie" Tepiew.
A funeral mass for Bernard will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday July 10, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with Fr. Hanz Christian officiating. The burial will be held at the church cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held at the family residence, N594 Chief Shunien, Keshena starting on Tuesday July 8, 2025, from 3:00 pm until the time of procession leaves for the church. Prayer service will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday July 9, 2025, at the residence.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Menominee EMT Rescue Services, Shawano Rescue Services, Menominee Tribal Police and staff at Shawano ThedaCare Emergency and Appleton Medical Center. The family would also like to say waewaenen to the cooks and all others for their support in the family's time of need. Our sincere gratitude to Swedberg Funeral Home and staff for their assistance.
Shawano Location