Benicio Voice

Benicio Braxton Voice, “Handsome Elk Boy”, age 13 months and 8 days, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019 at his home in Pierre.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson. Burial followed at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Stephan. A wake service began at 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2019 at Diamond Willow Ministries with a procession leaving at 4:00 p.m. from Luze Funeral Home in Highmore.

Benico was born on August 28, 2018 in Pierre, S.D. to Michaela Swanson “Medicine Elk Women” and Gaston Voice. Benico attended daycare at East Side Children’s Castle and had a great joy in spending time with his older brother, Titus Voice “Talking Rain”.

Benico was an extremely happy baby. He was always smiling and exploring his little world. He was very content and easy to please. Benico lit up any room.

His memory will be cherished by his mother, Michaela Swanson (partner, Dominick Ecoffey) and father, Gaston Voice; brother, Titus Voice-Talking Rain; half-brother, Giannis Cruz Voice; grandparents: Jeffrey and Anne Marie Swanson, Laramie Voice, Bonnie St. John, Cheryl Voice, and Karen Voice; great grandparents: Arnita Maggie Short Bear Swanson, Melvin and Victoria Grey Owl; aunts: Lanissa, Tanisha, Cyrisha Swanson; Joei Stewart, Jessica Voice, Darla Voice, Conner Voice, and Venessa Voice ; uncles: Juan Howell, Jordan St. John, Kyle Voice, Mike Voice, Jr., Gerrit Voice, and John Voice; two great nieces: Angel and Anzly Ziegler; and many cousins; and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his great grandparents: Pauline Grey Owl, Hugh Swanson, Jerry Voice, and Violet Voice; great-great grandparents: Thelma Grey Owl, Odel St. John, Doris St. John, William Voice, Sr., and Ada Voice; two uncles: Tony LaVasseur and Bobby White Light.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Benicio’s arrangements.