Cleo Ann Goodbear “Haksi Hogiwe” (spirit traveler), died Sunday March 13, 2022 with her loving family and caregivers at her side, at the UW Medical Center in Madison.
Cleo was born to Jesse and Edna (Wesho) Littlegeorge. She was an educated woman having graduated from high school before attending two years of college. Cleo was a traditional Ho-Chunk woman. She spent her lifetime giving of herself to her husband Jeffrey supporting his traditional ways; to her children and grandchildren; and to her tribe. Even when Cleo wasn’t working at the office for the Nation, she loved working at all crafts. She was a traditional native craftswoman, in particularly known for her fine beadwork she also loved working on her grandchildren’s regalia as well as working on moccasins.
Cleo was a sports fanatic, especially fond of basketball. She herself was an athlete who liked to exercise all the time. She was constantly doing aerobics just to stay fit but could often times be seen jogging or even running, (Wendell recalling not being able to keep up with her on his bike). She liked her gardening and her plants. Cleo enjoyed Motown Music, the Bee-Gee’s, Al Green, and Kalliah and Blackwater.
Cleo loved her children deeply and nothing gave her greater pleasure than doting on her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, God bless our memories of Cleo.
Surviving Cleo are her husband Jeffrey; her children Clarissa (Raymond) Haapala, Megan Pettibone and Wendell (Niki) Pettibone; 10 grandchildren; and her sisters Inez Littlegeorge and Judy (Paul) Youngthunder, and lifelong best friend and “sister”, Gale White.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Steven Littlegeorge and Allen Littlegeorge; and her sisters Janice Lee, Vera Littlegeorge, Donna Jean Littlegeorge and Mary Louise Youngthunder.
Funeral Services for Cleo will be Wednesday March 16 at 12-noon at the Community Center on Mission Rd. Eliza Green will officiate. Burial will follow the service at the Decorah Cemetery. Friends may call on the family during a Visitation from 10 to 12 Wednesday Morning at the Community Center before the service.
The Buswell Funeral Home, 106 S. Second St., in Black River Falls is assisting the family. (715) 284-2231.
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