Nancy Warren

Nancy J. Warren, 76, resident of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Tuesday, September 23 at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes. Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM in St. Benedict's Catholic Church, White Earth, MN. Visitation will be held at David Donehower Funeral Home on Friday, September 26 from 5:30PM -7:30 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:30PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to services on Friday. Nancy Josephine (Heisler) Warren was born in White Earth, Minnesota, on August 20, 1938, to Jack and Marie Heisler. She grew up in Brownsville, Minnesota, with her parents and siblings and enjoyed her childhood there, graduating from Loretto Catholic High School in Caledonia, Minnesota. She married Russell Warren at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brownsille, Minnesota, on October 3, 1958. They initially settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, residing with Nancy's Aunt Winnie and Uncle Sonny for a time where their son Russell, Jr. (Rusty) was born. They then moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota, where Nancy was employed by a bank until she joined Russell as an employee of the Wahpeton Indian School. Wendy and Jeanita were born in Breckenridge, Minnesota, while the family put down its roots. Nancy loved the people she met from other reservations who worked and cared for the kids at the School. They spent many a time socializing with friends who would remain important to her throughout her lifetime. In 1973, Nancy and Russell moved to White Earth, Minnesota, where they made their home on Kay's Corner. Nancy would go on to work for the White Earth Tribal Council as the Human Resources Director until the mid-80's, followed by a turn as the Executive Director of the White Earth Land Recovery in the early 90's. She eventually worked for the Green Thumb program assisting other elders locate and maintain part-time employment; ending her own employment as a recipient of those same services working for White Earth Tribal Council in the senior citizens program until 2011. Nancy was an active member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church throughout the years as well where she also played the organ. Nancy approached all she met with a smile and a welcoming nature. She loved to listen to others, hear of their accomplishments and offer her encouragement. Nancy's children recall her being a wonderful hostess to card parties with friends and family gatherings, holding at least two weddings in their home over the years. In addition, she always had an open door for whoever needed a warm meal or a roof over their head. Many memories were made in the home on Kay's Corner where family would gather during POW Wow weekend, ricing season, hunting season, and other holidays throughout the year. Her failing health over the last few years proved difficult and seeing her children and grandchildren come to visit would bring a smile to her face every time. She will be remembered with love and respect by the family she raised and loved so passionately.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, September 26, 2014
Service
Saturday, September 27, 2014

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