Michael Joseph "Tony" Osogwin Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Michael Joseph “Tony” Osogwin Jr., age 69, of Hessel, Michigan, died Sunday, December 19, 2010 at his home. He was born December 23, 1940 in Manistique, Michigan, the son of Michael Joseph and Catherine Christina (Blackbird) Osogwin. Michael lived in Hessel for most of his life. He graduated from Cedarville High School in 1958 and then attended Lake Superior State College studying civil engineering. He retired from Superior Environmental where he worked for many years as a field technician and environmental consultant dealing with environmental cleanup. Michael was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians where he was a Tribal Elder and Pipe Carrier. He was deeply involved in Native American traditions. He attended Pow Wows and was an avid supporter of the Native American Society for Historical Preservation (NASHP). He authored the book Ogehmawahbee-Chippewa Warrior. Michael was a member of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Hessel. He was an avid hunter and birdwatcher and enjoyed listening and supporting WCMU Public Radio. Michael is survived by five children, Kristina Blackbird Osogwin of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Odin (Amy) Osogwin of Hessel, Sharla Michelle Osogwin of Riverside, California, Laurie Ann Osogwin of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Michael John Osogwin III of California; eight grandchildren, Kaidyn Oriana Osogwin, Brett Daniel Guilmette, Daniel William Guilmette Jr., Gavin Michael Hanskett, David James (Cierra) Osogwin, Derrek Burkett, Raven Pabst, and Katrina Pabst; and one great grandchild, Carly Jean Osogwin. Also surviving are aunts and uncles, Ramona Romer, Joe and Vicki Romer, and Art and Doris Romer; beloved cousin, Mary Jane (Bob) Brewer; and his former wife and her husband, Marianne and Griz Prusik. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rita Osogwin. Traditional Native American services will be held at the Anaamianag Nopaming Tribal Center in Hessel beginning at 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 21 and continue through 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 23 when the funeral ceremony will begin. Burial will be in the spring in the Italian Cemetery in Hessel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Native American Society for Historical Preservation Inc., c/o Paul Yarnell, Chairman, 27671 S. Reynolds Road, Stalwart, MI 49736.

Michael Joseph "Tony" Osogwin Jr.

December 23, 1940 - December 19, 2010