Dewain David Danforth, Tehawelake “Of Two Winds”, of the Oneida Nation unexpectedly started his journey to the Creator’s land on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. He was born on February 13, 1974 to Linda and Redmon Danforth Sr. On February 7, 2004, he married his best friend Apache Bright Star, and together they have been raising their family of six children. He most recently enjoyed being a Papa to his grandson and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his granddaughter.
Throughout life Dewain was always a man who embraced his spirituality and grew stronger as he experienced his Oneida ways. He continued to learn his language, his traditions and appreciated the support and respect he received within the Oneida longhouse and the Native American Church. Dewain was a loyal Packer fan and loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He loved his family and devoted himself to being there for all his children. He enjoyed being a “Cheer and Dance Dad” and loved watching his daughters compete. He was looking forward to teaching his only son how to hunt and play sports. He was there when his grandson took his first steps. Spending time with his family was invaluable to him and he was so proud of his wife.
Dewain is survived by his wife, Apache, and their children, Autumn (Quran), Tia (Savaughn), Yokalasha, Muneca, Isabella, and Joseph “JoJo”; Grandson Akelies; Granddaughter Octavia, expected to arrive the end of May; Mother, Linda Danforth; Older brother Redmon Jr., Sister-in-law Katsi and their children Courtney, Yelih, Laiyah, Redmon III, Shako and Nova Rae; Younger sister, Sheena (Edward) and her children Audrina, Daniel, and De Angelo; Step-mother Maria Danforth; Great niece and nephew Alana and Steven; Grandfurs Snowball, Rex, and Skipper.
He is further survived by his Mother-in-law Marj Stevens; Father-in-law Fernando (Shirley) Rodriguez; Brothers-in-law Steve (Cher) and Kelly (Shelly) Stevens; Sisters-in-law Toni (Doug) House, Michelle (Tehassi) Hill; Brothers-in-law Claudio Rodriguez, and Nicolas Rodriguez; and Sister-in-law Sara Rodriguez; Great aunts Lillian King and Lois Powless; Aunts Mary (Francis) Jimenez, Janice (Ron) Hollar, Diana (Candido) Hernandez, and Judy (David) Nicholas; Uncles Danny (Annette), Alfred (Gail), Bruce (Mercie) and Robert (Debra) Danforth; Uncle Dave (Karen) Gleason; many cousins, extended family, and many friends in the Oneida Community and Milwaukee area.
Dewain will join his father Redmon Danforth Sr. in the Creator’s land with his paternal grandparents, Albert Dewain and Margaret Danforth; Maternal grandparents David and Myrtle Gleason; and his grandmother Maria Hinton. He will also be greeted by his Uncles Simon Danforth, Bruce Gleason, and Tom Gleason, Aunt LaVonne and Cousin Troy Jr. “TJ”. Dewain was blessed with the brotherhood, love, and special bond that was created with his brothers from the Southside of Milwaukee.
Dewain was loved dearly by so many and his spirit will live on through all that knew him. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the awesome support of family and friends who join us in making his journey in the right way.
