Orman Chief "Nepowew Kenew" Waukau Jr., age 69, of Neopit, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 in Shawano in true big brother protector fashion, joined his youngest brother Wade who passed a few days before. He was born on September 28, 1951, to the late Orman "Pam" and Joan Grignon Waukau. As the 1 st born, he was the leader to his eight siblings that followed. He grew up on the Menominee Indian Reservation beginning his life in Neopit, WI learning from his Grandma and Grandpa Grignon and his Uncle Guy. Their early influence helped to set the foundation for his life which he spent enjoying and respecting nature and its many gifts, especially the Menominee forest and the many sports he came to enjoy. With love and affection, his Grandpa Grignon named him "Chief" as everyone came to know him. As a young man, he attended Shawano High School and excelled in sports including football, baseball and basketball where he was an outstanding athlete earning eight varsity letters and a place in the Shawano High School Hall of Fame. In football, he never left the field. He was the team leader as a quarterback, defensive back and on special teams. In his Junior and Senior year, he earned all-conference honors as quarterback and defensive back. His offensive and defensive skills were also evident on the basketball court and on the baseball field where he also earned honors and recognition. Upon graduating from Shawano High School in 1969, he continued to excel in football and baseball at St. Norbert College, in De Pere, WI. His love of baseball continued throughout his life. He played for many years in the Badger Amateur Baseball Association as a part of the Menominee Chiefs baseball team. He made many friends on the fields and the courts where he played. Teammates, opponents, coaches and fans showed appreciation and respect for his strength and abilities and he affectionately became known to many as "Stormin" Orman. He worked as a carpenter and built and repaired not just physical structures but he built and formed friendships with those who he helped. He shared his knowledge of carpentry with young people, including his son Orman. In his later years, he attended Pow Wow's and danced in traditional style greatly enjoying the circle of family and friends old and new. Chief was strong in person just as he was in sports where he would help whenever it was called for. His strength could also be seen in his gentle demeanor, a warm smile, kind words, a warm hug, or a helping hand. He had the ability to assure you that you were important, safe and loved which he showed not only to his children and grandchildren, but to all who knew him. He had a close circle of friends he considered as brothers who had a sense of humor that was unmatched. He loved to tell a story that would bring a good laugh and a smile. He was a faithful and dedicated fan of stock car racing and spent his summer Saturday's at the Shawano Speedway, sharing the excitement with his family and friends. He proudly served his tribe and was a member of the Menominee Tribal Legislature, elected to a term from 2011-2014. His strength and humility was remarkable and extraordinary. In the same way as he learned through his mother Joan to "Teach your Children Well", his legacy is passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Chief is survived by his children, Carrie (Craig Sr.) Grignon, Steven (Nanette) Waupekenay, Nicole (Matthew) Shelton, Pam (Stewart) Boivin and Orman Waukau III; his former wife and mother of his children Catherine Waukau; his grandchildren, Craig Jr. (Eleanor) , Sharissa (Yancy), Cecelia, Tony, Tino (Vanessa), Stevon, Joetta, Jaryd (Sharon), Ra'el, Katelyn, Caleb, Priscilla, Prince, Paris, Jaymin, Brayen, Kiaren, Geena, Zaiden and great granddaughter Scarlett. Siblings Duane "Buckle" and Mary "Pie" Waukau, Karen Waukau, Jerry "Gatie" and Susan Waukau, Fay (Waukau) and Richard Annamitta of Keshena. Pamela "Hootsie" (Waukau) and Pershing "Sport" Frechette of Neopit. Wendell and Lori Waukau, and Sharon Waukau of Shawano. His mother's family: Sharon (Irvin Waupoose), Mary Clare, Robert (Arlene), and Roberta Grignon. His father's family: Mervin "Yogi" Waukau, Diana, Joanne, Yvonne, Sarah, Karen. His Grignon and Waukau cousins who he shared many memories. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends also will treasure his memory. Richie Plass, Pokey Reiter and Dave "Nahwahquaw" Grignon and many other friends remain to carry on the stories of their friendship.

Chief will re-unite with his parents Orman "Pam" and Joan Grignon Waukau with his youngest brother Wade and with members of his mother's family: Grandparents, Jerome and Sunday Tourtillott Grignon, Constance "Connie" and Gordon "Philip" Waupoose, Carol Grignon Warrington, Irvin "Wimpy" Waupoose, Dana (Marilyn), Guy, Jerilyn, Stanley, Michelle, Jerry Lee, Charles and Arlene. Members of his father's family: Grandparents, Mitchell and Susie Wilber Waukau, Juanita, Lloyd, Hilary "Sparky" (Edith), Yvonne "Wyonna", Monica, Roger, Wayne "Beechie" (Karen), Marvin, and Jolly. Special brothers, Richard "Waubano" Awonohopay, Alan Caldwell, and Martin "Monk" Pyawasay and many other friends and relatives.

A public visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral home on Tuesday October 6, 2020 from 11 am until 2pm. Private family graveside services will be held with Fr. Nonito Barra officiating. Due to Covid-19, masks will be required.

In his memory as he requested, he shares the words of Simon and Garfunkel. "I am a rock, I am island, and a rock feels no pain, and an island never cries."