Randy Wadena

Randy “Bud” Wadena, age 27 of Naytahwaush, MN, formerly Minneapolis, MN, died on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Mahnomen, MN. Randy Wayne Wadena Jr. was born May 9, 1981 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Randy Wadena and Virginia Roy. He grew up in South Minneapolis and was raised by his grandmother, Karen. He attended Cooper and Anderson Elementary Schools. While at Cooper Elementary Randy was enrolled in a Gifted Children’s Program. He then attended Four Winds Middle School and South High School. As a young boy, Bud looked forward to spending his summers at his aunt’s house near Naytahwaush, leeching with his family. In 1995, Bud met Laurie Drift and together they lovingly began to raise a family. Through the years he worked various jobs in Minneapolis as a carpenter remodeling homes. In September of 2007, they moved to Naytahwaush to make their home. Bud was currently employed at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN, where he enjoyed his job as a Steward. Bud was a dedicated father and companion. He cherished his sons and the time they spent together playing video games, swimming, sledding, and simply being with one another. While raising his children, he helped Laurie with every aspect of the housework and family. Bud was also a very talented artist who loved to draw and make beautiful wreaths. He especially enjoyed drawing cars, his children, and spiritual pictures. Bud also liked to listen to rap music and always liked to look his best. Bud had a Rottweiler dog, Bear, who he dearly loved. He was a kind person and was very willing to help his family and friends. He was truly full of life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bud is survived by his companion of thirteen years and the mother of his children. Laurie Drift; his sons: Anthony Sanchez, Randy Wadena III, Shane Wadena, and Kyle Wadena all at home in Naytahwaush; his mother, Virginia Roy of Minneapolis; his grandmother, Karen Wadena of Naytahwaush; his grandfather, Jerome Spears of Ponemah, MN; his great grandmother, Olive Blair of Detroit Lakes, MN; three brothers: Michael Wadena at Oak Park Heights, Roger White of St. Paul, MN, and Derrick Londo of Naytahwaush; five sisters: Amanda Wadena of St. Paul, Rosella Oppergard of Naytahwaush, Christina Patterson of St. Cloud, MN, Tayna White of St. Cloud, and Victoria Olson of Ada, MN. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Randy was preceded in death by his father Randy Wadena Sr.; grandfather, John Wadena; grandmother, Sophie Roy; step-grandfather, Butch White; and his cousin, John Allen Folstrom. The two day wake will begin at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the Karen Wadena residence and continue until the service on Friday. In addition, there will be a 7:00 p.m. ceremony on both Wednesday and Thursday evening. Traditional Native Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 8, 2008 at the Old Community Center, Naytahwaush. Burial will take place at the Folstrom Family Cemetery, rural Mahnomen, MN.

Randy Wadena

May 9, 1981 - August 5, 2008