Obit: Cleveland, Nina (1918 - 2014)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Cleveland, Greendeer, Youngswan, White, Decorah, McArthur, Gardner, Whitecloud, White Eagle, Lonetree, Funmaker, Long, Snake, Whitewater, Owen, Otter, Bowman, Houghton,

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co, WI) 6/25/2014

Cleveland, Nina (2 September 1918 - 17 June 2014)

“Ke Ra Co Wiiga” Nina Greendeer Cleveland, 95, of Black River Falls died Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at her home. Nina was born Sept. 2, 1918, in Wyeville to will Greendeer and Dora Youngswan. She attended Winnebago Indian School in Neillsville. Nina married Albert Cleveland, and he preceded her in death in 1961.

Nina’s life centered on her home and family. She was a self taught seamstress and master basketmaker. She often would open her home to a child in need. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards and Pokeno with friends.

She is survived by her five sons, Wilbert (Priscilla) Cleveland of Thoma, Herbert (Paula) Cleveland of Black River Falls, Wilfred Cleveland (Felicia White) of Black River Falls, Robert Cleveland and Steve Cleveland of Black River Falls; three daughters, Alberta (Richard) Decorah of Wisconsin Dells, Tina McArthur of Black River Falls and Rita (Bill) Gardner of Black River Falls; further survived by John Whitecloud, Morgan White Eagle, June White Eagle, Dale White Eagle, Helen Lonetree, Dennis Funmaker, Myrtle Long and Millie Decorah; one sister, Linda Greendeer of Tomah; 34 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Albert, she was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Mercedes Cleveland; two sons, Delbert Cleveland and Lambert Cleveland Sr., four sisters, Sarah Snake White Eagle, Elenor Whitewater Funmaker, Mary Greendeer Owen and Ruby Otter Bowman; six brothers: John Greendeer, Lyle Greendeer, Percy Greendeer, Orville Greendeer, Frederick Greendeer and Sanford Otter, two grandchildren: Nina White Eagle and Jonathan Jett Cleveland; and one great-grandson, Carter Houghton.

Native American Church services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2014, at Nina’s residence, W8855 Decorah Road, Black River Falls. Services were conducted by Joseph White Eagle, and burial was in Decorah Cemetery. Friends called after 2 p.m. Thursday at Nina’s residence.

Online condolences may be left at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.  Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls assisted the family.