The Celebration of the Life of Lonnie Wise Spirit Sr.   Mahto Ikdamana Hoksina  (Earning Bear Boy)

Sunrise- August 18th, 1946       Sunset- October 29th, 2020

Lonnie Virgil Wise Spirit Sr, was called home on October 29th 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck ND at the age of 74. Funeral arrangements are held by Oster Funeral Home in Mobridge SD. Funeral visitation will be held in Cannonball, ND on November 4th, 2020 at Cannonball Activity Center (Red Gym) from 10am-1pm. Lonnie’s wish was to be buried next to his dear wife Leora (Plenty Chief) Wise Spirit at the Plenty Chief Family Cemetery in White Shield, ND so the family will honor his wish and lay him to rest on the hills overlooking Lake Sakakawea South of White Shield ND.

Lonnie was born and raised in Cannonball, ND to Helen Ireland and Charles Wise Spirit. He was educated at Cannonball School. Lonnie attended United Tribes Vocational Technical School (currently United Tribes Technical College). In his early life, he found a passion with his Native American culture and began his journey to becoming a Champion Grass Dancer. Lonnie also sang around the drum with his father and brothers which culminated in making a record for Indian Records in 1972 with his father Charles Wise Spirit, his brother Clifford Wise Spirit, drum brothers Wallace Thunderhawk and Marvin Starr. This was an accolade that he always told his children stories about, and was proud of the fact that his sons formed the drum group Wise Spirit in the early 2000’s. Lonnie took great pride in the fact that he was exposed to and participated in the rodeo program at UTTC and constantly reminded his family of a picture of him coming out the chute, competing in the Saddle Bronc division. He always showed us the way of the cowboy, and what it takes to live that lifestyle.

 

Throughout his life, Lonnie worked various jobs as a skilled tradesman. He began working for the Tribal Work Experience Program (TWEP) as a foreman. Lonnie also worked at ONYX and Scoonivers Gravel Crushing. He was known for his leadership, knowledge, and hard work ethic. Of all the jobs he possessed, one that he was the proudest of, was his last job when he worked for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Roads Department. During his time there, he grew very fond of his co-workers and leadership. He would always remind his family how hard he worked and how he loved how hard the work was, and the fact that he was able to keep up with his younger co-workers and even outworking some of them. In October of 2005 Lonnie was dealt a life changing event when his wife Leora (Plenty Chief) Wise Spirit passed away. For the first time in his adult life he was without his partner whom he shared everything with, but he remained strong for his children and his grandchildren. In winter of 2007, Lonnie suffered a career ending stroke in which medically forced him into retirement. This was a heavy blow to Lonnie as he always prided himself in being able to work these types of jobs and he struggled with transitioning into the life of a retiree. Through much of that time in retirement, Lonnie began to build relationships with all of his grandchildren. Loving his grandkids became a full time job for him that filled his days with a lot of joy and happiness. His admiration of all of his grandkids was everlasting. His love for his grandchildren became his greatest trait that he carried until the day of his death.

Anyone that had the privilege of being in his presence would always say that he always greeted everyone with a smile and shared many random stories and cheer them up. The family would like to share their deepest gratitude to Walmart staff for assisting their sister Bobbi Jo (Sweetheart as dad would call her) in the most traumatic of times. The family would also like to give great thanks to CL Red Fox for coming to be by Bobbi’s side and praying with her in the old language, your actions are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Lonnie’s memory will be carried on daily with Bobbi Jo Wise Spirit and family, Didrick Wise Spirit and family, Uriah Wise Spirit and family, Preston Wise Spirit and family, Lonnie Wise Spirit Jr and family, Deborah Plenty Chief and family, Eugene Plenty Chief and family, Lillian Plenty Chief and Family, Robert Plenty Chief and family, Dani Rico and Family, Charles Wise Spirit and family, Lavoy Wise Spirit and family, Rhiannon Iron and family, Casey Wise Spirit and family. Numerous nieces and nephews,  As well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lonnie was greeted in the spirit world by his wife Leora Wise Spirit.

Sisters, Victoria Joshua, Karen Wise Spirit, Rachael Conica, Matilda Two Bears, and Mary Stretches.

Brothers, Clifford Wise Spirit, Clayton Wise Spirit, Owen Wise Spirit.

Children, Matthew Wise Spirit, Tony Volk, Tanya Wise Spirit, Mariette Wise Spirit.

Grandchildren, Jarrod Wise Spirit, Dillinger Wise Spirit, Draco Wise Spirit, Daizy Wise Spirit, Didra Wise Spirit.

Pall Bearers Preston Wise Spirit Didrick Wise Spirit Vance Plenty Chief Charles Wise Spirit Uriah Wise Spirit Lonnie Wise Spirit Dewey Plenty Chief Francisco Lopez Chaz Wise Spirit Rex Red Bird Dustyn Luger

Honorary Pallbearers Kathie Vallee James RT Jake Eagle & Roads Department 2002-2007 CL Reddfox Daryl Iron Shield Pat Yellow Adrian Ireland Roland Seewalker Danny Seaboy & Family Redday & Family

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