Bernard Paul Manitowabi, age 67, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on March 15, 2024, at MyMichigan Medical Center-Sault. He was born on December 11, 1956, Sault Ste. Marie, to Bernard and Myra (Green) Manitowabi.
Bernard grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Sault High School in 1974. After high school he moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and worked as a welder. He returned to Sault in 1979, and worked at various jobs, maintenance at Woolworth’s, mail courier for Sault Tribe, lineman, and security at Soo Locks, and more recently at Walmart. Bernie attended Lake Superior State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fire science. He was a member of Wiikwemkong First Nation in Wiikwemkong, Ontario.
Bernard was a member of the Sault Pool League. He enjoyed playing hockey, playing with his brothers as a youngster and later in Senior League. Bernie loved playing pool, hunting, canoeing, and hanging out with his friends. He loved to watch most sports, Red Wing’s hockey, Detroit Lion’s football, Detroit Tiger’s baseball.
Bernard is survived by his siblings, Lorraine Boulley of Rapid River, Michigan, Virginia Hutchinson of Sault Ste. Marie, Lisa (Dave) Grunske of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Louis Manitowabi of Fargo, North Dakota; brother-in-law, Paul Figuli of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law, Jessica McCullough of Wilson, Michigan; special friends, Marty and Shelli Plumm and nephew, Ryan Manitowabi; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Myra Manitowabi; siblings, Mary (Rick) Steinhaus, Kenneth Green, Raymond Manitowabi, Joseph Manitowabi, Luanne Manitowabi, Roberta Manitowabi, Roger Manitowabi; brother-in-law, John Hutchinson.
Fire will be lit Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 10:00AM at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. A light lunch and gathering time will continue until the Traditional Pipe Ceremony, midafternoon and feast afterward.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
