Sylvester Gerard Wesaw “Sly,” a proud member of Pokagon Band of a Potawatomi, descendant of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, has traveled to join his ancestors Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 65.
His greatest joy and honor was being Noos of Myriah (Chuck), Katherine, Ashinique, and Paul; misho of Charley (Taylor), Jared, and Peter; and great misho of Westly.
Sly will be reunited with his parents Martin Sr & Viola Wesaw, siblings Lawrence, Daniel (Mini), Martin Jr (Sonny), Lois, JoEllen, Mary and many other relatives.
He will be deeply missed by his siblings, David, Jean, Carl (Kelly), Carolyn, Catherine, Elizabeth (Jeff) Harris, Gregory, Teresa; and spirit brother, Ron Soney. As well as his many beloved nieces and nephews.
Sly was proud to be Anishnaabe Nini, an ogitchida, a fluent Bodewadmi language speaker, a traditional knowledge keeper, pipe carrier.
He was constantly creating, tinkering, and learning. He worked hard, but loved even harder.
Notoriously known for his woodland artwork throughout Indian country. A truly gifted artist, any style, any form – he could do it all. He was a profound Great Lakes tattoo artist and a black belt in martial arts, just ask someone.
He was a mentor to many throughout his lifetime.
Sly was thankful for all of his loved ones, the life he lived, and all the life lessons that came with it. And without a doubt he meant so much to the many lives he touched. The generosity he shared to those around him was unparalleled. He will be dearly missed by many.
The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, Nov 19, at 2:00 PM until Thursday, Nov 20, at 10:00 AM the Pokagon Band Community Center, 27043 Potawatomi Trail, Dowagiac.
The funeral will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Thursday at the Pokagon History and Culture Lodge, 59291 Indian Lake Rd, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with the family from 11 AM until the time of service.
Interment to follow at Rush Lake Indian Cemetery, Hartford.
Immediately following the burial, a feast will be provided at the Pokagon Band Community Center.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac.
To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Sly’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
Service Details
Visitation
When
November 19th, 2025 2:00pm – 10:00am
Where
Pokagon Band Community Center
Address
27043 Potawatomi Trail
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Visitation
When
November 20th, 2025 11:00am – 1:00pm
Where
Pokagon Band Center of History and Culture
Address
59291 Indian Lake Road
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Service
When
November 20th, 2025 1:00pm
Where
Pokagon Band Center of History and Culture
Address
59291 Indian Lake Road
Dowagiac , MI 49047
Interment
Where
Rush Lake Indian Cemetery
Address
Rush Lake Road
Hartford , Michigan 49057
Reception
Where
Pokagon Band Community Center
Address
27043 Potawatomi Trail
Dowagiac , MI 49047
Posted On: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 3:59 PM
