Joel M. “Shop” Charles, “Shopteese”, 69, of Mayetta, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at his home on the Reservation.
He was born August 22, 1956 in Holton, the son of William Charles and Thelma Hale, and was raised by his grandmother, Erma Pequano. He attended Chilocco Indian School in Newkirk, Oklahoma and was a U.S. Army Veteran.
Joel was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He had worked for the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department, for Labor Max, and was a dishwasher at the Prairie Band Casino.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Martin Jim, Jr.
Survivors include a daughter, Wynona Jean (Davis) Nemechek, Topeka, his siblings, Aaron Hale, Mayetta, Darrell Wewenes, Darlene Wewenes and Wynona Wewenes, all of Horton, Sharon Doxtator, Topeka, Madelene Wewenes, Lawrence and Milford Wewenes, Horton, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A supper and wake will be held Friday evening, February 13th at the Dance Ground Building. Burial will be Saturday afternoon in Metwe-Shabni Cemetery. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements.
