EAGLE BUTTE, SD – Karsten Buffalo, 45, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Eagle Butte.
A procession will begin at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024, from the 4-mile junction to the Cheyenne Eagle Butte Auditorium where an all-night wake will be held with services at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Cheyenne Eagle Butte Auditorium. Traditional burial services will follow at the UCC Cemetery in Bridger, SD. Meals will be provided at the Landmark Hall.
Karsten Timothy Buffalo was born on March 16, 1979, at Eagle Butte, South Dakota to Byron Buffalo and Veronica (Cook) Holy. He was welcomed by Jacqueline Marie Buffalo, his big sister and protector.
Karsten and his sister, Jackie, spent their younger years playing at Griffin Park, riding bikes, going to family gatherings, and swimming at the river with family and their Georgetown Crew in Pierre, SD. Karsten attended school in the various places where he lived. He attended elementary schools in Eagle Butte, SD, Bismarck, ND and Pierre, SD. He attended junior high and high school in New Brighton, MN, Takini School, and Cheyenne Eagle Butte School. He received his GED in 1998. Later Karsten moved to Bridger to live with his dad, Byron Buffalo.
Karsten loved playing basketball throughout his life and was an excellent player. He enjoyed running like his father and ran for the pure enjoyment of it. He worked various jobs throughout his life, traveling to obtain employment when it was called for. He worked as a laborer in construction, road work, as a Covid-19 checkpoint worker, and helped where and when he was needed by his loved ones.
Karsten’s greatest joy and accomplishments were his children: Kadynse Rai (KK Rai), K’Launa Marie (“baby skinny” as only her dad would call her), Sierra Cole, and Corey Robert Wade and his grandchildren, Oaklynn Skye and Trestyn. In recent years, Karsten met his special friend Kacie Clown and her son Julian with whom he had a father/son relationship. He did his best for each of his children and had a special bond with each of them. He loved them all deeply.
Karsten enjoyed taking pictures with family and friends. He was known as “Tinx or KTB” by his many friends. He always made sure to tell people that he loved them and gave them the tightest bear hugs. Karsten had an infectious smile and a humorous way about him. Because he genuinely loved and cared for everyone he met along the way, he referred to everyone as brother, sister, relative, or friend. Karsten’s family considers all his friends and family as honorary pallbearers. We are grateful for the love and care you all gave him in return.
Karsten is survived by his children: Kadynse and K’Launa Buffalo, Sierra Jewett, and Corey Pearman; grandchildren: Oaklynn Skye and Trestyn; mother, Veronica (Cook) Holy; sisters: Jackie Buffalo Tiana Buffalo, and Jonni Clark; brothers: Clinton Holy, Marlis Morin, and Jay Clark; stepmother, Toni Buffalo; stepsisters: Cayla Johns and Winona Powless; nieces: Mariah Layne and Koree Kylee Buffalo Halfred, Ty’Kaydia Colombe, Michaeli Cass, Cheyann Holy, Titakuye Kicopi May and O’Niyan Wakan Washburn; nephews: Red Sky Legend Kills First Holy, Bear Nakoa Gonzalez, and Wakiza and Wakita Washburn; and numerous Lalas, Uncis, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and close relatives.
Karsten was preceded in death by his father, Byron W. Buffalo; stepfather, Marvin W. Holy; brothers, Corey and Collins Holy; grandparents: Milton Cook, Sr., Caroline (Iron Lightning) Cook Fiddler, Dennis Buffalo, and Mary (Widow) Buffalo; and all the Lalas, Uncis, and close relatives.
Karsten’s family greatly appreciates the outpouring of support and comfort from family and friends. Our heartfelt thanks to the Cheyenne River Motel staff, IHS Ambulance, CRST Law Enforcement, and Luce Funeral Home.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Karsten’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

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