Randolph Big Eagle

Randolph Big Eagle, 47, of Big Bend, died Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at his residence.

Funeral services were held at 11:00a.m., Saturday, February 9 at St. Catherine’s Church, Big Bend. There were wake services Thursday, February 7 and Friday, February 8 at the St. Catherine’s Church, Big Bend with services each night at 7:00p.m. Burial was in St. Catherine’s Cemetery under the direction of Luze Funeral Home of Highmore.

Randolph “Randy” Martin was born January 15, 1961 to Henry and Mary Agnes (St. John) Big Eagle at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre. He was the 10th child of Henry and Mary Agnes. Randy grew up in Big Bend, he attended River Dale grade school until it closed and later graduated from Harrold High School in 1980. He did a lot of construction jobs after graduation.

In 1984, Randy married Claudia Bazzini of Long Beach, Long Island, New York. He was employed as a mechanic. After the marriage ended, he moved back to Big Bend. Randy was employed with the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, working with his older brother Timothy Big Eagle, Sr. at the water plant. In 1992, Randy married Janet Michalek, after a few months they separated. Randy was employed with the Crow Creek Housing.

In April of 2000, Randy was in a car accident leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. In 2005, he spent most of the year in hospitals (except for three months). During this time the doctors decided it would be best for Randy to amputate both of his legs. Throughout these years after Randy’s accident, his spirit stayed strong, he had his bad days but always brought himself out of it by helping others.

Randy was a good friend to everyone. He loved to cook and make sausage. Randy was very creative in cooking and making his dream catchers. He created his own teepee design in a dream catcher. Randy was always the one to get things going. He loved to play horseshoes and sponsored his own Horse Shoe Tournament every July at the Big Bend Pow-Wow.

There’s no amount of words to describe our brother, uncle, friend and how he impacted all our lives. He was a “dad” to our sons who grew up without dads and was everyone’s “Best Bud.” Randy loved to dance before he lost his legs; we know he’s dancing in heaven with Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers, and all his relatives and friends.

Randy is survived by his taken daughter, Natasha Mae Jennesse; five brothers: Thomas Big Eagle, Anthony Big Eagle, David Big Eagle all of Big Bend, Bernard Big Eagle of Pierre, and Donald Big Eagle, Sr. of Ft. Thompson; four sisters: Arlis Big Eagle, Durine Chase, Janette Marks, and Mona Big Eagle all of Big Bend; adopted mother, Joyce Bazzini; several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Henry Martin Big Eagle, Jr. and Mary Agnes (St. John) Big Eagle; brothers: Joseph Alan Big Eagle and Timothy Louis Big Eagle, Sr.; and one sister, Henrietta Big Eagle.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore was entrusted with his arrangements.