Anthony Luke "Saba" Awonohopay (Mesabe), of Cumberland died Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Regions Hospital. He was born May 28, 1959 in Keshena, WI to Johnson and Frances (Pyawasit) Awonohopay. He was married in Maple Plain Community Center on November 2, 1975 to Jeanne Bearhart.

Saba was a Big Drum Chief for the Maple Plain Community and believed strongly in its teachings. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Saba was a well respected spiritual advisor and leader to many. He loved pow-wow singing and dancing, and sharing his culture. Saba was an avid Packers fan. He loved grilling out as often as he could, even in the winter. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children: Aimee (Maurice) Whitebear, Amanda Awonohopay, Anthony Awonohopay Jr., Tyrone Awonohopay Sr.; grandchildren: Cyrus and Winter Awonohopay, Trenton Awonohopay, Tyrone Awonohopay Jr., Parker Awonohopay, Teran Awonohopay, Hysen Powless and Rebecca Bearhart; siblings: Gwen Awonohopay, Verna Shegonee; nieces, nephews and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnson and Frances Awonohopay; brothers: James Awonohopay and Richard Awonohopay; sister, Annette Farrow; daughter, Courtney Oustigoff; and grandson, Remy Awonohopay.

Services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the Maple Plain Community Center with Joey Awonohopay and Vincent Merrill officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Plain Indian Cemetery. Pallbearers are Isaac Merrill, Nick Bearhart, Dezmond Juan, Darren Shegonee, Adam Waukau and John Awonohopay. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Lemieux Jr., Stewart Eagleman, Mike Taylor, Frank Buck, Guy Awonohopay Sr. and Joshua Gagnon.

Wake and feast to begin at 2 PM on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. Traditional services will begin at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 with burial to follow. Big Drum service will begin at 7 PM on Wednesday.

Last Update: Jul 31, 2019 6:53 am CDT