Jody Tapia

Jody Tapia, age 59, of LaPlant, was called home Saturday, October 9, 2010, at the Spinal Cord Injury Center of Minneapolis, MN.  At the time of his death, Jody was surrounded by his daughter DeAnn, grandchildren, great grandson, son-in-law and mother.

Funeral services were held at 1:00p.m., MDT, Monday, October 18, 2010 at the HVJ Cultural Center in Eagle Butte. Burial followed at the LaPlant Catholic Cemetery. An all night wake was held from 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 17, 2010 at the Cultural Center.

Jody was born November 8, 1950 in LaPlant, SD to Joseph, Sr. and Mae (Different Horse) Tapio.  He was the oldest of seven children.  Jody was raised by his grandparents, Sam and Mabel Different Horse of LaPlant, attending school in LaPlant and the Stephan Mission Boarding School.  After graduating, Jody enlisted in the US Army in 1968 during the Vietnam War as a Paratrooper of the M Company of the 75^th Rangers.  He received the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge 1^st Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar and the Korea Defense Service Medal.

In 1971, he married LeeAnn Bordeaux and to this union one daughter, DeAnn Marie Tapio, was born. In 1978, he met Sonya Jean Shaving. Though they never married, three children were born from this union; Waushara Paulette, Jeannie Marie and Patrick Joseph.

Jody worked as a Veteran’s Service Officer and was an active member of the American Legion Post 308, the Veterans of the Vietnam War, the Cheyenne River Lakota Akicita and the Disabled American Veterans.

He enjoyed reading, listening to music, watching movies, attending Pow-wows and spending time with his family and friends. Jody enjoyed every minute spent with his kids and grandkids. He was always smiling and laughing and lighting up the room with his humor. He always made it a priority to take care of his kids and grandkids. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Jody's presence was immediately known when he entered a room. When Patrick started grass dancing at the age of 5, which made Jody so proud that he wanted his grandsons to grass dance. He was especially proud when Patrick won his first competition. Upon his car accident, Jody was in the process of having a grass dance outfit made for Kale. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Jody is survived by his daughters: DeAnn (John) Lafferty of LaPlant, Roxanne (Mark) Iron Wing of LaPlant, Waushara (Stuart) Cochran of Dupree and Jeannie Tapio of Pierre; one son: Patrick (Kelsey) Tapio of Eagle Butte; his stepson: Rodney Shaving of Pierre;  his grandchildren: Isiah and Colby Iron Wing, Savanna and LaRay Four Bear, Heaven and Jonathan Lafferty, Daecia Marie Bartlett, Amiyah Jean Bridwell, Bryant Raye Bartlett, Jace Paul and Kale Patrick Bridwell; great grandson, Jace R. Traversie; his sisters: Minnie Summers of Kyle and Mable Tapio of Sioux Falls; brother; Maynard “Sac” Summers of Arizona and Delaine Buffalo of LaPlant; aunt: Florene Shaving of LaPlant; uncle: Doug DeHorse of North Carolina and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two sisters Judy and Elizabeth and one brother Jerome.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Jody's arrangements.