Funeral Services for Vietnam Veteran Ralph Taken Alive age 73 of Bullhead, SD will be at 11 AM, CT on Monday, January 4, 2020 at the Little Eagle Veteran’s Building in Little Eagle, SD. Procession will be at 10 AM, CT on Monday from Oster to Veteran’s Building in Little Eagle, SD. Burial will be at 3 PM CT at All Nations Veterans Cemetery rural Selfridge, ND under direction of Oster Funeral Home of Mobridge, SD. There will be a Private Family Service on Sunday, January 3, 2020 from 2 to 4 PM, CT at Oster Funeral Home Chapel. Ralph entered the Spirit World on December 19, 2020 at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Oster Funeral Home is Honored to entrusted with arrangements for Ralph Taken Alive. www.osterfuneralhome.com Family ask all that attend to please wear a mask, follow Covid-19 Regulations.

Ralph E. Taken Alive

Wanbli Wapaha

July 3, 1947 – December 19, 2020

Ralph Taken Alive was born on July 3, 1947 to William (Bob) and Florence (White) Taken Alive in Little Eagle SD. He was raised in Little Eagle, graduated from Little Eagle Day School, he went onto graduate from Fort Yates High School in 1965. In 1968, Ralph enlisted in the US Army, he was sent to Vietnam where he earned 2 bronze metals. Staff Sargent Ralph Taken Alive finished his military duty in 1970. Ralph never spoke of his time in the service, he was very humble about his deeds so as a family we never knew of his achievements.

Ralph came home and attended school in Springfield with his brother Jack. He then became a BIA police officer for a short period before leaving for Texas to attend vocational school. Ralph received a mechanic certificate and worked at Texas until 1977. Upon returning he worked at the Sisseton reservation, finally returning back to Standing Rock in the early 80’s . Ralph then became employed at several jobs finally retiring from I.H.S. after 30 years. Ralph love for his misun Steve was unconditional as he cared for him through illness until his departure to the spirit world.

Ralph was very proud of the youth and attended as many activities as he could. He always helped the young people with words of encouragement or buying them their sports equipment, giving them spending money to attend events. He could be seen in his usual seat supporting the youth. He will be greatly missed especially by the young people he supported.

Ralph is survived by; Rhonda Brown and children/grandchildren, Ralph Taken Alive, Jr. and children/grandchildren, Marcel Taken Alive, Todd and Randi Stands Alone, Children/Stepchildren Ken Hollow and family, Lisa (Trev) Goodiron and family, Leland (Ernie) Brown and family, Lee Ann Brown and family, Michelle Flying Horse and Family, Wife and Daughter, Violet(Sally), Lynsey(Babygirl), Siblings; Melda Looking Back, Debbie Looking Back, Nina Mata.

Honorary Bearers: 720 M.P. Battalion, Bushwacker; Tom & Ruby Trost ~ Ed & Marge Aldrich ~ Terry & Linda Tapper ~ Barry Ware ~ Ed & Penny Rosenblatt ~ Ernest Popavitch ~ Danny Jones ~ Joe Miller ~ Ed Newman ~ Carlos Logan ~ Bill & Jenny Ekleberry ~ Roger & Vera Spradlin ~ Larry & Brenda Shafer ~ Lino Petrucco ~ Father Bob Warren ~ Deceased brothers: Tom Rhuby ~ Eli Chaves ~ James Antortlank Fraley ~ John Hamann.

239 Auxiliary~ Rock Creek Families and Friends ~ Rock Creek Land and Livestock staff and Crew~ Rock Creek Nutrition for Elderly staff and volunteers. Loren Archambault ~ Taylor Otter Robe ~ Richard/Virginia Long Feather & family ~ Harold/Delores Hollow & family ~ Kim Rhoades ~ Matt/Rita Yellow Earrings ~ Honorata Defender ~ Avery/Lucy Black Wolf & family ~ Randy White ~ Ansel/Wanda White Eagle ~ Kiara Schmeichel & Brenson ~ Mical Brave Crow & Family ~ Marley High Cat ~ Running Antelope families & friends ~ Lloyd/Caroline Thompson ~ Rock Creek District Staff ~ Fort Yates I.H.S. staff and employees ~ Bear Brownotter ~ Carley/Kim Cosay ~ Waldo (Jamie) Red Fox & Family ~ Nelson (Elaine) Little Bear & family

Preceding Ralph to the spirit world are his parents, Wilma Little Bear, John (Jack) Taken Alive, Nathan (Chuck) Taken Alive, Norma Red Fox, Clement Looking Back, Steve Taken Alive Nephew John (Corey) Taken Alive

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