EAGLE BUTTE, SD – Mark “Jake” Red Bear II, a great storyteller, renowned jokester, and beloved relative, entered the spirit world on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 45. He passed away peacefully at the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, surrounded by friends and loved ones.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MDT, Monday, March 30, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the St. James Episcopal Cemetery, Bear Creek. A wake service will be 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the church, with a procession from the 4-mile at 4:00 p.m.
Jake was a Lakota wicasa and a good relative who respected all, and whose friendly and welcoming presence lit up every room he entered. He was well known for his quick wit and good-natured humor, his encouraging words, and the boundless care he held for his relatives and homelands. A generous man who showed up for his many relatives, Jake wholeheartedly gifted his time, stories, and many talents, and he delighted many with his cooking and baking, especially his cinnamon rolls and frybread. A welcoming and gregarious relative who brought a smile to so many, Jake never hesitated to tell his loved ones how much he loved them and valued the memories he made with them. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, humor, and a generous spirit that will be carried on through his children and grandchildren.
Jake’s homelands included On-the-Tree and Thunderbutte. He was knowledgeable about the land and knew its many stories, having spent a great deal of his growing years with his beloved Grandpa Timothy Red Dog out at On-the-Tree, where he also learned to hunt, finish, and care for the land. His grandpa would often have fried potatoes waiting for him and his sister after getting off the bus. Jake also spent much of his early childhood days with his grandparents Bill and Illene (High Elk) Red Bear out at Thunderbutte. Having also spent a considerable amount of time in Eagle Butte, he was a part of the Joe Brings Plenty family, and Joey and Cole were a part of his life as he stayed with Joe.
He made family with many of his 6th grade classmates after moving to Lower Brule in 1992, and remained close with the Battese, Pretty Sounding Flute, Grassrope, Middletent, and LaRoche Families, and with Davey Jones. In high school he was nominated for “Whose Who Among American High School Students” due to his academic achievements.
From his first marriage, Jake was blessed with children: Micaiah (born 2003), Timerie (born 2004), Matthias (born 2008), Marky (born 2009), and Israel (born 2010). They resided in Eagle Butte until 2008 before relocating to Bismarck, ND, and later to Larimore, ND, and Rapid City.
In 2016 Jake met Arlene Agneaux. He had a sense of humor that everyone could laugh with. In July 2017 Jake married Arlene Agneaux and spent the rest of his life with her. In 2018, they moved to Dickenson, ND where he resided until his death. During this time, he worked as a Walmart Supervisor and at Menards.
A devoted father, Jake was profoundly proud of all his children, nieces, and nephews, and deeply adored his granddaughter, Aurielia. He had a special place for his grandbabies who he helped raise as his own; Ausha, Aries, Anthony, Adelynn, Annelise, Ainslee, Junie, and Sweede. He took the grandbabies everywhere and always made sure they were fed. He was the most loving dad, papa, and husband.
He was a hard worker and talented in many areas, including construction, firefighting, cooking, baking, hunting, and fishing. He loved his Green Bay Packers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 10 year, Arlene Red Bear; parents: Mark Red Bear and Kathy Red Dog; children: Micaiah, Timerie, Matthias, Israel, and Marky; stepchildren: Ashley & Seth Poland, Ashten, Aubree, & Duel Keck, Rhondee Ganje, Ryan, & Kiah Ganje; grandchildren: Aurielia, Ausha, Aries, Anthony, Adelynn, Annelise, Ainslee, Junie, & Sweede; sisters: Jessica, Crystal, and Mariah, and many other family or loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Bill and Illene (High Elk) Red Bear; maternal grandparents: Timmothy and Annie (Good Bear) Red Dog; one stepson in heaven, Anthony Iron Moccasin; nephew, Landon Carter Red Bear; Tiauna Ducheneaux, Kyla Mercy Red Bear, Cole Brings Plenty, good friend Augie Brings Plenty.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Mark’s arrangements.
