Debra Lee Butler, age 69, of Hayward, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.

Debra was born September 8, 1954, in Hayward, the daughter of John and Alma (Potack) Bracklin.

She had a line of credential almost as tall as she was. In high school Deb began learning the health field of what was called “candy striper”, learning nursing aide. She was on the Board of Directors at Spooner Hospital, as well as Hayward Hospital. Deb loved helping people in their sicknesses and illnesses. She would later become an EMT for Sawyer County. Deb became involved with a lot of programs and built many of those programs up as a director including the Oakwood Haven programs, LCO Halfway House, ICW caseworker manager for Sawyer County Halfway house and board member for Circle of Indigenous Rights. She also had started a pet store business and operated it for a few years. Deb loved animals and kept rescued animals who were brought to her. Her latest job would be a case worker for TANF Program. Altogether Deb worked for Lac Courte Oreilles for 44 years and 10 months. She was dedicated to her profession.

She is survived by her husband Mainard; son Moses Butler; daughter Jordan D’Mario & Kala Bracklin-Butler; many grandchildren & two great grandchildren; brothers Eddie Potack, Toshio Kakazu, Jeff Kakazu, Edwin Kakazu & Francis Kakazu; sisters Emily Oshogay, Brenda Bracklin, Marian Belille, Kim Miller, Patricia Kakazu & Kathleen Bracklin; many nieces, nephews & cousins.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents; son John Bracklin-Butler; daughter Kera Coshow; brother “Skelly”.

Tribal Funeral Rites will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 15, 2024, at Big Drum Ceremonial Center in Lac Courte Oreilles. Chato “Obizaan” Gonzalez will officiate. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 14th at Big Drum Ceremonial Center.

Honorary casket bearers will be Duane Butler, Ryan Hart & Randy Miller.

Casket Bearers will be David Belille, Digger Belille, Kadence Belille, Sonny Potack, Matthew Taylor & Lucas Wolfe.

Last Update: Jan 12, 2024 5:16 pm CST