Denise Morigeau, 72

Denise Morigeau was the eldest daughter born to Fred H. and Eileen S. Decker on Feb. 23, 1949 at St. Ignatius. On Oct. 20, 2021, she passed on to eternal life after a courageous battle against Covid. She leaves behind many loved ones to join many loved family members and many spoiled animals that have passed before her.

She attended the Dixon Elementary School, St. Ignatius Elementary and the Ursuline School at St. Ignatius. She graduated from Dixon High School in 1967 as a loyal Dixon Demon fan. She subsequently attended Salish Kootenai College.

Denise was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, holding many discussions with family and friends regarding tribal issues and her hopes for the Tribes in the future.

Denise loved where she lived and enjoyed the scenery of the Mission Mountains and grooming her and Gary’s yards. She enjoyed the mountains, camping, fishing, hiking, “huckleberrying” and especially her family trips with her children exploring the West. She grew to be the family photohistorian from great-grandparents to great-grandchildren.

She had a variety of work experiences and prided herself in doing a job well done. She enjoyed her work with Lawrence Aripa of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation in his native art store, honing her eye of Native art and paintings. She started work with the Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health Department in July of 1994 and earned numerous awards for her work and made many friends.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Fred H. and Eileen S. Decker; sister Mary Jean “Bugs” Decker; and her Swaney sisters and brothers: Colleen “EO,” Maureen “Kelly,” James “Kitty Kat” and Doug.

Denise is survived by the love of her life, husband Gary Morigeau. She also is survived by her brother, Daniel F. Decker, and her special sisters Betty Steele, Alberta Bertsch and Beverly Swaney. She also is survived by sons James Decker-Steele, Richard Steele, Mathew Steele and William Steele; daughters Caramia Never Misses A Shot and Annie Ross; grandchildren Francis Lozeau, Ciera Steele, Bryanna Steele, Uriah Steele, Arnold Cardenas and Alicia Steele; and great-grandchildren Annaleah Lozeau, Ezreal Steele, Arianna Maria Cardenas, Arnold Cardenas Jr. and Jamie Hugh Malcolm Pablo.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26 at The Lake Funeral Home, Polson. Then visitation will continue on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at the St. Ignatius Community Center. Later that day a Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. with a wake to follow.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at St. Ignatius Community Center. Burial will occur immediately after the service at the Decker Family Cemetery. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.