TAMA-Bernard Lyman Papakee also known as Bernard Alan Papakee, age 78, of Tama, died Saturday, October 13, 2007 at Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center due to a sudden illness. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Monday, October 15, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the McIntosh Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement with Homer Bear Jr. as speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Sunday evening, October 14, 2007 at his home at 150 W Quail Road on the settlement.
Bernard Papakee was born on April 2, 1929, on the Meskwaki Settlement, the son of John K. and Grace (Morgan) Papakee.
He attended Sac & Fox Day School and graduated from Tama High School.
He served his country in the U.S. Army in the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953.
On July 13, 1995, he married Noreen K. Leaf in Des Moines, Iowa. He had formerly worked as an ironworker, carpenter and security guard. Bernard enjoyed watching sports, playing chess, reading books, making Indian regalia, and he especially enjoyed being a traditional dancer.
Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Reginald Papakee; three sisters, Cecelia Wolf, and Maxine and Rena Papakee.
Survivors include his wife Noreen K. (Leaf) Papakee of Tama; one daughter, Natasha Papakee of Tama; one step-son, Lyndon Johnson of Tama; one brother, Richard Papakee of Cedar Rapids; one sister, Patricia Brown of Tama; one adopted sister, Aldean Bear of Tama; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.