Inyan Rondeau

Inyan To Rondeau, 20, of Eagle Butte, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at his home in Eagle Butte. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MST, Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Afraid of Hawk Home, 6 miles west of Cherry Creek. Burial will follow in the Afraid of Hawk Family Cemetery, Cherry Creek. An all-night wake will be 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the CRST Bingo Hall, Eagle Butte, with a procession from the 4-mile at 4:00 p.m. 

Inyan To Rondeau was a young man of strength, ambition, and a love for life that touched everyone around him. His name, meaning "Blue Stone," was given to him by his Lala Rocke Afraid of Hawk, through prayer. Inyan carried himself with a demeanor that reflected his drive and determination. He was a deep thinker and a hard worker.

In high school, Inyan’s dedication was evident in his athletic pursuits. He played football, wrestled, and golfed, representing Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School, where he graduated in 2022. Never one to rest on his accomplishments, he went on to attend Weber Basin Job Corps in Utah, focusing on Forestry Conservation and Firefighting—a field that connected his love for the outdoors.

Inyan worked part-time at the BIA Firehall, taking on the challenges of firefighting, and also worked in construction for the CRST Housing Authority. He took pride in his work and was always eager to learn and contribute wherever he could.

Outside of work and school, Inyan found joy in the simple things that brought him closer to his family and the life he loved. He was a hunter, a skilled cook, and a playful uncle who cherished time with his nieces and nephews. In Lakota way of life, Inyan became a man when he completed his buffalo kill ceremony, loved harvesting buffalo and was a strong Sundancer. Inyan was a warrior and came from warriors including Spotted Elk (Mnicoujou Lakota), War Eagle (Dakota), Tatanka Hunkesni (Slow Bull, Oglala Lakota), and Cetan Kokipa (Afraid of Hawk, Oglala Lakota). Inyan comes from SiTanka Wokiksuye riders and was resilient and strong. 

Inyan valued his friendships and shared countless good times with friends like Trey and Xzander. Whether they were gaming, listening to music, or spending time outdoors, he enjoyed every moment with the people who meant the most to him. He loved helping out at brandings, where he worked hard and found a great sense of purpose. Inyan also had a growing interest in learning saddle bronc riding and spent time out at the Gunville's, eager to take on the challenge and deepen his connection to the horse nations and rodeo lifestyle. Inyan loved being at his Unci Pam and Lala Rocke’s house in the country, where he could be found exploring the creek with his cousins. 

On December 24, 2024, Inyan’s journey came to an end, leaving behind beautiful memories of his time on Unci Maka. Though his time with us was far too brief, he inspired those around him with his ambition, strength, and love for his family.

Inyan is survived by his mom, Rebecca Afraid of Hawk; dad, Sam LeBeau Sr.; brothers: Luta and Mahpiya Maza, Tatanka Wakita, Cetan, TateLuta, Wamni, Okicize, Cassius, Zi Iciya, Waziya, Baby Rocke; sisters: Sierra Breeze, Jesse Rose, Wakinyan, Santana, Tusweca; unci, Pam; nieces: LaRyah Skye, Maka Lutawin, Tasina Lutawin; nephew, Tatum James “Baby Tanka”; tunwin’s: TJ Afraid of Hawk, Summer (Aubrey LaDue) Afraid of Hawk, Rockilynn Afraid of Hawk, Amy Lee; leksi’s, Steve Lee and Wanbli Numpa Afraid of Hawk; and numerous unci’s, lala’s, tunwin’s, leksi’s, and cousins. 

Preceded in death by his great grandparents: Peaches Lee and Velma (Walters) Lee, Danny Afraid of Hawk and Angeline (Straight Head) Afraid Of Hawk, Lala Rocke Afraid of Hawk, Ciye East Lee, Leksi Chaske Afraid Of Hawk, Misun Tasunka Nagi, cousins: Bryanna Ducheneaux Clown, Darian Lee, Leksi Skye Lee, Kola Davyn LeBeau, Lala Rick Afraid of Hawk, Tunwin Carlita St. John, Roxey Widow, and Unci Kathy Bowker. 

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