Loretta V. Metoxen (Tekahwasute “Flying Squirrel”), 88, Oneida, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, with her family at her side. She was born on June 8, 1932, daughter of the late Peter and Grace (Skenandore) Kurowski. Loretta was united in marriage to Floyd B. Metoxen in 1976, and they enjoyed their journey until Floyd preceded Loretta in death on February 23, 1999.
Loretta worked tirelessly for the Onieda Nation in various capacities for over 50 years, and most recently had worked as the Tribal Historian for 22 years. She proudly served our country as an airborne radar technician in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Loretta actively served with the Wisconsin Indian Veterans Association – Oneida Chapter color guard over the years. She also served as an elder consultant for Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council as well as other Native American organizations.
Loretta enjoyed traveling extensively, and her favorite destination was the Caribbean Islands. She also traveled nationally and internationally with family members. Loretta was an avid reader, and had over 1,000 books in her personal library. She was an excellent cook and gardener, and also enjoyed oil painting. Loretta enjoyed playing the slots every week. She always looked forward to eating and visiting at family dinners, picnics, and reunions.
Loretta is survived by six children: Gail (Alfred) Danforth, Denice (Raymond) Beans, Melanie Ellis, Marshall Ellis, Keith Ellis, and Matthew (Mona) Ellis; grandchildren: Mirac (Margaret) Ellis and Yohnehtote Danforth; Olan Beans, Julie (Warren “Bucko” Rieter III) Beans, Maurense Beans; Mandi Beans, and Grace Beans; Peter Ellis, and Cheryl Aliskwet Ellis; Christine Ellis, Ruger Ellis, and Charlene Ellis; great-grandchildren: MarjaRia Stevens, and Markane, Mason, and Maria Grace Ellis; Dakota Sipary, Warren Rieter IV, Evelyn Rieter, and Addison Meyer; siblings: Shirley Hill, Patricia (Merlin) Cornelius, Gerald “Jerry” (Gloria Jean) Kurowski, and Linda (Glen) Mercier; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two children: Mary Ellis and Julie Ellis; one granddaughter, Little Grace Elijah; one brother, Kenneth Kurowski; and one brother-in-law, Fritz Hill.
The family extends a special thanks to Unity Hospice for their compassionate care. They also are thankful to everyone everyone who stopped at the house, called, and brought food and prayed with them. Loretta enjoyed visiting with all of you.
Online condolences may be expressed to Loretta’s family at www.muehlboettcher.com
