Steven Middletent

Steven Middletent, 59, of Fort Thompson, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Community Center in Fort Thompson.  A two-night wake will be at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, all at the Community Center in Fort Thompson.  Burial will be at All Saints Cemetery, Fort Thompson. A process to Fort Thompson will meet at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore, at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Steven James Middletent was born September 10, 1964, to Seth “Gerald” Ear and Victorine Faith Middletent. He was raised by his grandparents, Adeline (Red Day) and Ernest Middletent, Sr., who later adopted him as their own son. 

Steven attended elementary school at Fort Thompson, Pierre Indian Learning Center during his middle and high school years and eventually obtained his GED. He obtained a degree in building construction from Mitchell Vo-Tech and in restaurant management from Bismarck State College. 

Steven met Francine St. John on April 10, 1980, and they were married on September 19, 1986. To this union, they had five children; sons: Thomas, Victor, Lucas, and Perry, and one daughter, Rachel. 

During Steven’s lifetime he worked various jobs, mostly in building construction as he attended trade school for this. He helped with the construction of the new Crow Creek High School and the Lode Star Casino. Steven also worked on road construction for a period of time with his son Thomas and eventually his other sons followed them. 

When the grandchildren were born and became a big part of his life, Steven decided it was time to make a positive change in his life.  He did and began his “walk in sobriety”. Steven also believed in his higher power, which was the Lord Jesus Christ, and began his walk with him daily. There were many hardships, and turmoil daily but he always was able to look beyond this always saying, “things will get better.” 

Steve has grandsons: Alan, Isaiah, Victor Jr., LaShawn, London, Cashus, and LaShaun; 13 granddaughters: Hialle, Lynaiah, Ezmiah, Tasia, Aniya, Lamaira, Lailah, LaShayla, Persais, Perrianna, Infinity, Rebecca, and Letecia whom he loved dearly. He will be missed deeply because he was a big part of their lives. Always encouraging them to make good decisions in their lives. He supported all the accomplishments they achieved and always told them there was a whole world for them to see. 

Steven lost his battle with cancer, and it took him too soon. He lost his youngest son in August 2019 and his oldest son in December 2021 and those losses left a void in his life. 

He is survived by his three remaining children: Victor, Lucas, and Rachel; his wife, Francine Middletent; sisters: DeAnna Ear, Stephan/Rapid City, Geri Ear, Bismarck, Nicole Maunu, Sioux Falls, Aris Crazy Bull, Memphis, TN, Ronnette Norton, Rapid City, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his sons: Perry and Thomas; grandson, LaShaun Brown Otter; sister, Jewel; brother, Jamie Norton; mother, Victorine; maternal grandparents: Adeline & Ernest Middletent; paternal grandparents: Goldie “Rae” Ear-Mound and Steven Ear; aunt, Blosson Ear; and his nieces, April Cournoyer and Ashley Crazy Bull. 

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