Emery St. John

Emery St. John, 71, of Fargo, ND, and formerly of Big Bend, SD, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023, at his home in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the Tribal Gym in Fort Thompson.  Burial will follow the funeral at St. Catherine's Cemetery in Big Bend. A two-night wake will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 21st and Friday, December 22nd at the Tribal Hall Gym in Fort Thompson.

Emery Loren St. John, Ho Waste Hoksna “Good Voice Boy” was born in Pierre, S.D. to Odell St. John Sr. and Doris (Ree) St. John on October 13,1957. He attended elementary school in Harrold SD. Graduated from Stephan Missionary High School. Later, he joined the Army and was in Ft. Ord, CA for basic training. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Germany.

 Later in life, he went onto Mitchell Vo-Tech for plumbing. Worked in Pierre as a plumber for a while, then moved to Denver to work as a welder until he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and could no longer work. In 1991 he moved to North Dakota and made it his home.

In 1983, Emery married the love of his life Gwen, a beautiful reminder, married through sickness and health, until death did them apart. She has taken care of our Dear Emery until he was ready to leave to the spirit world.  Even though he could be stubborn, she always made sure his health was taken care of. 

As we celebrate the life and times of Emery St. John, he was a caring, family oriented, peaceful soul. He opened his home to all and would give the shirt off his back. He loved his people and his culture; he spent many years on the pow wow trail using his gift of drums and singing. He served his country and earned the respect of his people. There was no killing the Indian in Emery, which represented the man he is, a silent fighter. Low smooth tone with a loud smile and his signature chuckle. Emery wasn’t known for grand speeches, and long lectures. He has a welcoming demeanor and when he told his stories, you were drawn in. Plenty of rich history, and thoughtful lessons were passed down through generations he would kindly share. He was a blessing to all and will be greatly missed. A phrase often shared by Emery,” there are no goodbyes in our language” So see you later. 

He is survived by his wife, Gwen (Holy Elk Face) St. John, 3 daughters, Marie Red Horn, Eternity Savanh, and Donna Lee. One adopted son Kurt Moose, and one adopted daughter Kristy Goulet.

 Brothers- Odell St. John Jr, Jim St. John, Kelly St. John of Fort Thompson, Kevin St. John (Kathie) Rapid City. Sisters- Sandra Sepulveda (Felix) San Bernardino, CA, Mary St. John, Brenda St. John, and Glenda St. John of Fort Thompson SD and Bonnie St. John Harrold. Also, his many grandsons, granddaughters, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. 

He’s proceeded in death by parents- Odell St. John Sr, Doris St. John. Maternal and paternal Grandparents Hosea and Eunice (Day) Ree, Solomon and Ruth (Sargent) St. John. Brothers- Victor, Phillip, and Keith. His nephew, Gaston Voice, and niece Tammy “Chops” St. John, Carlita St. John. Grandson, Benicio Voice. Great grandson, Wicahpi Yamni Hokshi Big Eagle. 

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