Mass of Christian Burial for DJay St. John, of Spencer, Iowa will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Catholic Church of Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Kenel. Burial will be in the Catholic Church Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. DJay passed away on August 27, 2025, in Spencer, Iowa.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, nephew and uncle, (Tȟatoye Sé Phéži Wačhi) (man who dances like the prairie wind), DJay St. John on August 27, 2025, in Spencer Iowa.

Born to Lavonne “Lovey” St. John-White Bull on February 16, 1987, at North Pine Area Hospital District, Sandstone Minnesota. Raised on both the Crow Creek and Standing Rock Nations. He was living in Spencer with his sister Toni and brother-in-law Edmund until finding an apartment a few blocks from Toni and Edmunds home.

Djay attended grade school through high school in Fort Yates ND where he graduated May 2005. After high school, he found employment in Fort Yates ND and Bismarck ND, making friends wherever he traveled.

In 1990, was DJay’s baptismal at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kenel SD; God parents are Lance St. John and Eunice St. John. In 1996, DJay along with his brother and cousins made their first communion and regularly attended mass services with their Unci Elaine until his leaving the area.

Djay was a caring, special, loving son, brother, nephew and friend. He was instrumental in helping his mother “Lovey” and sister Toni raise his niece Lourdes McGhee until his passing. Lourdes was the child he didn’t have, and it showed. Although he loved all of his nieces and nephews, he was especially fond of his little niece Juniper, who he nicknamed Ju-Ju B, he thought the world of her and loved her dearly.

He was a traditional grass dancer from an early age with the support and love of his Unci Elaine, who drove many miles for Djay to experience his passion. Djay felt the spiritual side while dancing grass and often reminisced the feeling of healing and forgiveness and the sense of freedom.

As time continues family and friends remember his humor and his artistic abilities, his long-term goal was to open a graphic T-Shirt business. He sketched many ideas for shirts along with a good friend, Bobby who he briefly lived with on the Spirit Lake Nation.

Djay had many talents, abilities and is remembered for his laughter, helping hand when needed and a good brother to his siblings. Especially to his sister Toni and his nieces and nephews, his passing leaves a hole in their hearts.

2017 their mother, “Lovey” passed, this was devastating, especially for DJay. He helped and lived with his mother until her passing. He missed her tremendously, although the untimely passing of DJay, his family has some comfort knowing he is rejoicing with his mother, aunts, uncles, paternal and maternal grandparents.

He is survived by his grandma’s Elaine St. John and Shirley Poitra of rural Kenel. sister Toni (Edmund) Ramirez, brother Wade St. John, Hunka Daughter Lourdes McGhee of Spencer Iowa and Dakota St. John of Fort Yates ND. Uncles Lance, Sterling (Donna) and Kerby (Linda) St. John of rural Kenel, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family members. He will be greatly missed by all.

He was proceeded in death by his mother Lavonne “Lovey” St. John – White Bull, Uncles Al Jr., Robert, Maynard, Merle, Dean, Tad, Verl and Vernon, Aunt Eunice St. John, sisters Tomi and Destiny. Maternal grandfather Al St. John Sr.

Memorial services are currently pending; cremation has already taken place.

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