Leonard Marks

Leonard Mathias Marks, 53, of Big Bend, South Dakota, entered the spirit world Sunday, July 17, 2011 at his home.  Leonard’s passing was sudden and unexpected but ended quietly and peacefully with his wife and children at his side.

An all night wake began at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Big Bend and ended with final viewing at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 22, 2011. After services, Leonard was cremated.

Leonard Mathias Marks was born January 11, 1958 to Mildred “Mickey” Marks in Pierre, South Dakota at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota and was raised by his grandmother, Nelda Lambie.  Leonard attended grade school at Pierre Public Schools, St. Joseph Indian School and Marty Indian School.  He attended high school at Crow Creek Tribal Schools, later obtaining his GED.  He then went to Job Corps at Clearfield, Utah and later transferred to Nemo, South Dakota.  From there he attended Mitchell Vo-Tech for air conditioning and heating.

Leonard met and married the “Love of his life”; Janette (Jan) Big Eagle and they were together for 22 years.  Through this union they were blessed with four beautiful children; three daughters: Mary Elizabeth, Julia Makayla and Leona Agnes and one son: July Douglas.

Throughout his life Leonard held various jobs.  His job experience included working in the health field as a Community Health Representative and Emergency Medical Technician.  He worked as a security guard for the Lode Star Casino and security/maintenance for Pierre Indian Learning Center.  Leonard worked for Red Horse Lodge Drug Abuse Prevention Program as the Big Bend Recreation Director for the community recreation center.  He worked various jobs for the local farmers and ranchers.  He worked at Ferrell Limo Service in Pierre, SD, driving their transit buses for two years.  Leonard’s most recent and last job that he enjoyed the most was being a Big Bend bus driver for the Crow Creek Tribal Schools.  He enjoyed this job but after starting chemotherapy he was too ill to drive bus, so he had to resign from his job.  Leonard was diagnosed with lung cancer almost a year ago and was going to Sioux Falls every week for chemotherapy. 

Leonard Mathias Marks loved life itself, he was always busy making the best time of each day that God gave him. He was grateful for each day that he was given to spend time with his wife, children, family and friends.  He strived to make a better life for his wife and children; he taught his children to respect others and always lend a helping hand to those in need.  Anyone that visited their home was offered hearty meal, friendship and laughter.

Leonard loved to sing and dance, even if he didn’t know the lyrics to the song he would make up his own!  He liked to cook breakfast for his family; he made blueberry cheesecake from scratch.  His favorite outdoor activities included fishing and horseshoes; he taught his son and daughters the game of horseshoes. Fishing was their favorite family outing; he liked to eat fish.  His favorite past times were playing cards, bingo and going to garage sales!

Leonard will be remembered for his “wild” sense of humor; he liked to tease others and “raise hell” with them; even people he didn’t know.  He always brought a smile or a laugh to his family, friends, and people he encountered on a daily basis.  He was known by his family and friends as “Wolfman” Marks.

Leonard, you are greatly missed by your wife: Janette; daughters: Mary, Julia, Leona and sons: July and Jacob; sisters and brothers: Deanne Nazeri, Brian Adams, Jason Adams, Arlis Big Eagle, Durine Chase, Sarah Big Eagle, Mona Big Eagle, Tom Big Eagle, Tony Big Eagle, Bernard Big Eagle, Don Big Eagle, David Big Eagle and Darrel Lambie.

Leonard was preceded in death by his mother: Mildred; brothers and sisters: Randy Big Eagle, Tim Big Eagle, Joseph Big Eagle, and Etta Big Eagle.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Leonard's arrangements.