William "Bill" Red Bear

William "Bill" I. Red Bear, 71, of Thunder Butte, SD, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011 at his home.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. MDT, Monday, May 23, 2011 at the HJV Cultural Center, Eagle Butte. Burial followed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cemetery, Thunder Butte. An all night wake began at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the cultural center with a procession forming at 5:00 p.m. at the four mile junction.

Bill was born January 13, 1940 to Henry Red Bear and Louise (Clown) Red Bear at the Old Agency.  He grew up and lived in Thunder Butte most of his life.  He attended school at Thunder Butte Day School and high school at the Old Agency.  He was a basketball player when the team won the State Championship.  He also participated in rodeos in bareback.

In 1962, Bill married Ilene (High Elk) Red Bear and together they had five children: Timothy, Mark, Arvin, Michael and Jeanette.

Bill worked as a ranch hand in his younger years and also worked for the Telephone Authority, CRST Property and Supply, R & S Construction, railroad construction, TWEP Director, First Dakota Enterprise and Red Bear Enterprise.

Bill ministered for over forty years and traveled throughout the United States and Canada. (aye)

Bill will always be remembered for his healing hands and words, and life changing testimonies.  His words of wisdom, his generosity, the respect he showed for himself and others, and above all, the courage he had to withstand the criticism and endure hardships, will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of many. 

Later in his life Bill married Georgina, and his youngest son Jeremiah was born.

Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and attending camp meetings.

Bill is survived by his children: Timothy of Albuquerque, NM, Mark Sr. (Sioux) of Eagle Butte, Arvin Sr. (Susan) of Thunder Butte, Michael of Rapid City, Jeanette “Jen” Red Bear (Brandon)               of Pierre, and Jeremiah of Dupree; sisters: Loretta Runs After of Eagle Butte, Rose Mitchell of New Castle, WY; brother, Kevin Red Bear of Minneapolis, MN; 22 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Louise; his beloved wife, Ilene (High Elk) Red Bear; brothers: Manuel, Wayne, John, Louis, Hilmer; and sisters: Dorothy, Mary Jane and Lila.        

 Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Bill's arrangements.