Funeral services for Wilbur Bears Heart Jr., 68, of Snake Creek, SD, will be at 11 AM, Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Wakpala. Burial will be at the church cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A procession will leave the funeral home at 10 AM. Wilbur passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at his home.

Wilbur Arthur Bears Heart Jr., “Pšithola Hu” (Arrow-head), 68, from Rural Wakpala, SD also lovingly referred to as Snake Creek, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on May 19, 2026. He was born on November 23, 1957, in Ft. Yates, North Dakota, to the late The Very Rev. Wilbur Bears Heart Sr. and Julia (Four Bear) Bears Heart.

Known lovingly to many as Wil, he will be remembered as a gifted artist, a devoted family man, and a keeper of stories and tradition. He had a deep love for drawing, bead and quill work, painting, and sculpting, and his creativity was woven into every season of his life. After graduating from high school in Morton, Minnesota, in 1976, Wil spent time in Nixon, Nevada, with his parents before returning briefly to the family ranch. He later moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he earned his art degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts—an accomplishment that reflected both his talent and his dedication. Wil eventually returned home to Snake Creek, where he created many cherished works of art. From 1989 to 1991, he co-owned a museum/art studio in Tinley Park, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, where his artwork was shared with others. In the years that followed, he continued to bead, quill, paint, and sculpt, always finding beauty in the work of his hands. Though Wilbur did not have children of his own, he held a special fatherly bond with his youngest sister, Angela, whom he lovingly considered his daughter. Their relationship was deeply meaningful and remained close until her passing. He delighted in sharing his knowledge and time with his nieces and nephews, and he especially treasured moments with his grandchildren, often visiting with them and sharing his favorite candy. Before his health declined, Wil found peace on long walks across the family land and along the river near the old Bears Heart Ranch before the flooding. There, he searched for arrowheads, pottery, and traditional medicines, often bringing Angela or his nieces and nephews along. He was also a wonderful storyteller, known for passing on traditional stories as well as the news and tales he picked up from his radio programs. Wil’s gentle spirit, artistic gifts, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Wilbur is survived by his brother, John C. Bears Heart of Mobridge, South Dakota; his sister, Susan Bears Heart of Snake Creek, South Dakota; cousins Joanna Thompson, Mona Four Bear-Young Bear, Karen Four Bear, Charleen Four Bear, Doretta Bowker, Lisa Four Bear, Cozi Bearsheart, Lorna Bearsheart and Brad (Gabriele) Bearsheart; nieces and nephews Matthew St. Pierre Sr., Stephen (Margaret) St. Pierre, Andrew (Irene) St. Pierre, Mary (Raymond) Burley, Kimberly St. Pierre, Sidney Bears Heart III, Stuart (Rebecca) Bears Heart, Shelby Bears Heart, Harlan (Autumn) Cadotte, Sean (Sam) Cadotte, RC Cadotte, Todd Cadotte, Casie Hill, Cara Four Bear, Chester Four Bear, Bobbi Three Legs, Heidi (Kevin) Moore, Clancey (Cindy) Four Bear, Ken, Hill, Sam (Angel) Four Bear, JoElla Bears Heart, Elijah Bears Heart, Robert (Georgia) Bears Heart, Alena Morsette, and Celia Looking Horse; and grandchildren Kiara St. Pierre, Cory Thompson, Stephen St. Pierre Jr., Jackson St. Pierre, Jane St. Pierre, Conner St. Pierre, Matthew St. Pierre Jr., Anpo St. Pierre, Alice Eagle-St. Pierre, Andrew Eagle-St. Pierre Jr., Ares War Child St. Pierre, Aurora St. Pierre Mason Rookey, Ayden St. Pierre, Thorin Rookey, and Killian Rookey

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Julia Bears Heart; his brothers, David, Sidney, Thomas, and William “Buck” Bears Heart; and his sister, Angela Dawn Bears Heart.

1. Add to favourites
2. Report abuse