Passed away on Feb 1, 2011

Fern A. Shegonee, age 51, of Black River Falls died on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 in her home under the care of Black River Memorial Hospice. Fern was born on September 23, 1959 in Rockford, IL to William and Agnes (Shongo) Shegonee. She was raised in Wisconsin Rapids. She was married to Wilfrid Cleveland in April of 1979 and they were later divorced. Fern was employed as a professional musician and had played overseas in England and Thailand. She also was an artist who had several of her works displayed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. Additionally, she had been a radio disc jockey at KUNM in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a bingo caller at the former Sands Bingo Hall (now Majestic Pines Bingo and Casino) of Black River Falls, sold Avon products, and had been a Native American jewelry maker. She had travelled the world over and had met numerous musicians and artists. Her travels included England, Thailand, and Honolulu. More recently, she had lived in the Town of Brockway near Black River Falls. Fern enjoyed playing the “smokin’ blues” harp, the guitar, and the drums. She also enjoyed oil painting and art, silver-smith work, and riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Survivors include 2 sons, David Cleveland of Black River Falls and Wallace (significant other – Borey Hong) Cleveland Sr. of Shakopee, MN; a daughter, Lena Cleveland of Black River Falls; 5 grandchildren, Blue Star Boy Cleveland, Tylin Cloud, Dylan Funmaker, Wallace Cleveland Jr., and Raelyn Cable; a brother, Willie Shegonee of Oakdale; 3 sisters, Leela Shegonee of Buffalo, NY, Angie (Robert) Jacobs of Black River Falls, and Catherine Shegonee of Wisconsin Dells; her dog, Hoonch; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Agnes Shegonee; a son, Jonathan Jett Cleveland; a sister, Lorna Shegonee; a brother, Franklin John; and a sister-in-law, Linda Shegonee. Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the District One Community Center, rural Black River Falls, and burial will be in the Shegonee Cemetery, rural Pittsville (Town of Grant, Wood County). Bob Brown will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday from 4 to 6 P.M at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, and at the District One Community Center on Thursday from 10 A.M. until noon. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.