Wendell N. “Sim” Askenette, Nīw Nōwaeqnaen “four winds, four directions,” 66, of Keshena, passed away on Oct. 29, 2015, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.
Wendell was born on Sept. 20, 1949, in Keshena, to the late Alexander and Sue (John) Askenette. He graduated from Shawano High School in 1967 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Penn State University.
On Dec. 27, 1969, Wendell was united in marriage to Susan Stelson in Marshfield. During his life Wendell served as the director of House of Hope, Menominee Crime Victims Program and Menominee Tribal Housing. He was also appointed to the board of directors for the National American Indian Housing Council. He was a special education teacher at the Menominee Indian Junior/Senior High School and a counselor/house manager at Maehnowesekiyah. He served as a tribal judge for 13 years, as vice chairman for two years and secretary for a year for the Menominee Tribal Legislature. He also served as the Menominee County/Tribal veterans service officer. He was active with the Menominee veterans, the Woodland Boys and Girls Club, as well as several other local and national organizations. He received numerous national awards and was proud to have been able to speak before the United States Congress on behalf of the Menominee Nation.
Wendell is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Askenette; his children, Devin (Lowell Waupoose Sr.) Askenette and Jon (Sam Haj) Askenette; six grandchildren, Jasmine (Wabinishi Williams), Alexander Sr., Kristina, Naomi and Danika Wynos, and Lowell Waupoose Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Nova Skye and Alexander Jr. “Anik,” with a third great-grandchild on the way; siblings, Barbara Askenette, Orin Askenette, Donald Askenette, Patricia (Jerry) Chapman and David Askenette; a brother-in-law, Eugene Caldwell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a son; a grandson, Anthony; his parents; a brother, Alexander; and a sister, Linda Caldwell.
Traditional services will be held at the Neopit Community Center at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. A wake will be held from noon Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, until the time of the service on Sunday. Military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of the Menominee Nation and a representative from the National Guard.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the Askenette family with Wendell’s funeral arrangements.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
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