Delbert Arpan

Delbert “Diggy” Arpan, 52, of Eagle Butte, entered the spirit world Friday, October 14, 2022, at his home in Eagle Butte.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., MDT, Thursday, October 20, 2022, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte, with a procession from the 4-Mile at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Bordeaux Cemetery, LaPlant.   

Delbert Darin Arpan was born February 3, 1970, in Omaha, Nebraska to Albert Sr. and Rosalyn (Bordeaux) Arpan.

Delbert began his education at St. Joseph’s Boarding School in Chamberlain, SD. In the late 1970’s, the family moved to the Swiftbird area where he attended Swiftbird Day School before continuing his education at the Cheyenne Eagle Butte School, and later completed his G.E.D.

Delbert enjoyed going to “Stove Creek” in his younger years on horseback to catch “Pan Fish” at the 212 Day School Dam. Some of his many hobbies included fishing, cooking, baking, and sewing. Delbert loved anything that involved music- singing, dancing, and karaoke were a few of his favorites. He also loved to make star quilts, menudo soup, and his famous popcorn balls.

Delbert worked various jobs during his lifetime. He obtained his CNA certification, working as a CNA in both Huron and Highmore.

Delbert’s life led him to Fort Washakie and Jacksonville, Wyoming. He developed a love for floral arrangement, which became one of his many talents. In 2005, he returned to Eagle Butte to put those talents to work. He held positions with Luce Funeral Home, Nancy Schrempp, Billie Rose, and owned his own shop called Lakota Rose.

Delbert worked for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Head Start Program, and most recently, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Property and Supply for 18 years as a clerk and janitor.

All those that knew Delbert would say that whether sitting with him, drinking a few beers, or fishing, you could always expect to have a good time and a few laughs.

Delbert is survived by his siblings: Terrance, Violet, Albert (Traci), Christopher, Elaine, Sharon, and Helen Arpan; special nieces: LaRay and Savannah Fourbear, and Randi Arpan; special friends: Heather Allen and DeAnn Lafferty; cousin, Sue Arpan; aunts: Connie, LeAnn, and Irene Bordeaux, Jennifer Maupin, Lenora Arpan, and Mary Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Albert Sr. and Rosalyn (Bordeaux) Arpan; sister: Alberta Arpan; uncles: Wesley Arpan, Richard “Dick” and Chris “Shorty” Bordeaux, and Harold “Peaches” Lee; aunts: Viola Bordeaux and Eva Bordeaux Garreaux; and cousins: Tanna and Taten Maupin.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Delbert’s arrangements.