Vernon Joseph “Junior” Defoe II, age 78 of Lac du Flambeau, WI died on Sunday, January 26th at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, WI. Vernon was born on March 30, 1941 in Hayward, WI the son of Vernon J. and Cecelia (nee Smart) Defoe I.
He was a self-employed window washer in the Milwaukee and Chicago area for 10 years with some of his jobs including skyscrapers and high rise apartment buildings. Vernon was involved with the TRAILS program as a teacher of drum and dance for children when he lived in Lac du Flambeau. He contributed his knowledge of culture and language to the Lac du Flambeau Museum and was also involved as a volunteer for the Bayfield Boy Scouts. He enjoyed traditional dancing, teaching and telling cultural stories to others and was always willing to reach out to those who were struggling or who had lost their way. Vernon’s pastimes included fishing, going to bingo and the casino, spending time with grand and great grandkids, watching westerns and shopping at thrift shows. We will most remember his joking nature and loving wisdom. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his children Daniel (Tandy) Defoe, George (Mary) Defoe, Christopher (Christina) Defoe and Ty Defoe, Margarita, Iona and Audrey Jackson and Andy Stockheimer and by grandchildren Vernon, Phillip, Michelle, Joe, Cheyenne, Jessica, Cecilia, Raife, Vaughn, Mariah, Ajina, Shawnu Ksicinski, Matthew, Nasheika and Cree and by 16 Great Grandkids. Further survived by his sister Jacqueiline Beson and special friend Janet St. Germain and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Vernon Defoe III and great grandson Cruz Defoe and his brothers Milton Peterson, Laurence Smart and Edward Defoe.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29th at the Multi-Purpose Building in Lac du Flambeau, WI starting at 4:00 pm and Traditional Native American Services will start at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 30th at the Multi-Purpose Building followed by burial at Memorial Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.

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