Bronco Hunts Horse

Bronco Hunts Horse, 38 of Bridger, began his journey to the spirit world Friday, May 7, 2021 at Monument Hospice House, Rapid City, in the land of the Lakota, the Pahá Sápa in the arms of his big sister, Christina.

Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Bridger. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A wake service will be at 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 17, 2021 at the church, with a procession from the Bridger Turn off Hwy 34 at 5:00 p.m.

Bronko was born on January 17, 1983 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital to Sibyl A. Lone Eagle and Delaine Buffalo. He was welcomed and adored by his big sister Christina.

Bronko attended school at Eagle Butte and Takini High School. He enjoyed exploring the world traveling all across Canada and the United States, to include Los Angeles, California, Quantico, Virginia, Washington D. C., and Chicago, Illinois. He settled in Portland, Oregon to pursue his official apprenticeship qualification. Bronko was a journeyman working on skyscrapers. Additionally, his passion for working with his hands led him to pursue qualifications in carpentry. He was an excellent carpenter, eventually returning home to South Dakota to be near family.

Bronko was a man of the Oyate, a Big Foot Rider, a Lakota singer, a son, a dad, Mesu, a Lekshi, Bronko was our relative, he represents the grassroots people, he walked as an Wacante Ognaka Wicasa. He was humble and kind. He would give his own clothes to those who had none. He would stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves. The impact he had while he walked on this earth reached far and wide.

His niece tells it best “Lekshi was always a pillar of strength.” He was always there for me. He is one of the people who shaped me into who I am today, he represents new experiences, family, loyalty, and unconditional love. She is going to miss his laugh and his jokester spirit. She says she will miss him challenging her drive and forever teaching her something new. He taught her and many of our youth about our people and she remembers how he told her about his life. She says, Lekshi taught me it was okay to be imperfect. He taught me to keep pushing always. He taught me to believe in myself because of the way he believed in me. He taught her to be kind and care about others. He taught her about talking about what’s in her heart, opening her point of view, and always learning.

In summary, here is what I know about my Mesu (my little brother) he was sent to us from the spirit world. He walked among us to remind us to never be too busy to help one another, to be patient, kind, to give shelter to our enemies, and care for those in need. I know this because if I have learned anything from this Lakota Warrior, nothing happens without reason and I know he is safe, watching over us, when I hear the falling water, see the jumping fish and feel the warm sun. When my heart feels like it will burst I know he will send the thunder beings for all of the Lakota Oyate. Hoka Hé Zuya Cik Ala! Tok Sha Ake!

A beloved son, “Thehila pi Na eyotan ke la pi” & a moma’s boi to his mother Sibyl. A cherished little brother to his big sister Christina, Bronko is survived by his son Mas Peg Na To Ka He Hunts Horse, his niece Audrey Belle Hunts Horse, his nephew Tha Wiphe Ohitika Hunts Horse-May and his Unchila Zouie Ocean Lone Eagle. Additionally, Bronko took Kacie L. Clown, as his Hasánni in the Lakota way of life and is accepted within the Hunts Horse Oyate as such.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Bronco's arrangements.