July 27, 1973 – Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Service Information
Crow Creek Tribal Gym, Fort Thompson, SD
Saturday, February 22, 2014
1:00 P.M.
Visitation Information
Crow Creek Tribal Gym, Fort Thompson, SD
February 20 & 21
Beginning at 8:00 P.M.
Charles “Sonny” Red Bear (He’Gni’Hi’Pi) “They Come to Marry Him”, given to him by his Kun’Shi Margaret Stands on Top, age 40, of Fort Thompson, SD Journeyed to the Spirit World on February 18, 2014 at Sanford Nursing Home in Chamberlain, SD.
He was born on July 27, 1973 in Wessington Springs, SD the son of Charles and Theresa (Stepp) Red Bear.
Charles attended the Fort Thompson Elementary School, Wesleyan Sioux Christian Academy, Crow Creek Junior High School and graduated from Crow Creek High School. He further attended the Haskell Indian Junior College and Sinte Gleska University. He worked for the Crow Creek Tribal Schools, PILC Learning Center, RAI Headstart and the Lode Star Casino. He also coached high school and middle school volleyball, high school cheerleading and was the high school Native Club advisor.
He attended many PowWows including Denver March PowWow, Gathering of Nations PowWow, Haskell Graduation PowWow, Mayetta, KS PowWow, Hinckley, MN PowWow, Prairie Island, MN PowWow, Red Lake, MN PowWow, Fort Washakie, WY PowWow, Sisseton Wahpeton, SD PowWow, Black Hills, SD PowWow, Winnebago, NE PowWow, United Tribes ND PowWow, Fort Belknap, MT PowWow, Rocky Boy, MT PowWow, Hays, MT PowWow, Poplar, MT PowWow, Crow Fair, MT PowWow, Red Earth, OK PowWow, Ponca, OK PowWow, Peguis, Manitoba Canada PowWow, White Bear, Saskatchewan Canada PowWow, Carry the Kettle, Saskatchewan Canada, PowWow, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada PowWow.
Grateful for sharing his life are his mother, Theresa Red Bear of Fort Thompson, SD; brothers Bob (Rosie) Pickner of Billings, MT, Tim (Denise) Pickner of Blackfoot, SD, Tom Pickner of Riverton, WY, Randy (Sherry) Pickner of White Horse, SD, Todd Red Bear of Pierre, SD and Joe Taylor; sister Delicie (Eddie) Miller of Fort Thompson, SD; aunts Henrietta Stepp, Mary Stepp, Cynthia Iron, Delores Hayes, Geneva Seaboy, and Lois Bear; uncles Danny Seaboy Sr.; Kenny Seaboy Sr. and Lester Obago Sr.; nieces Shyanne Rose Red Bear, Noni Pickner, Jasmine Pickner, Jennifer Pickner, Miranda Pickner, Misty Pickner, Cindy Pickner, Lacy Pickner and Michelle Pickner; nephews Michael Red Bear, Michael Voice Jr., Wiley Pickner, Wyatt Pickner, Randy Pickner Jr., Shaun Pickner, Shane Pickner, Shaye Pickner, Shad pickner, Ricky Pickner Jr., Casey Pickner, Tyler Pickner, Timmy Pickner, Matthew Pickner and Daniel Pickner; cousins too numerous to mention; and other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Chuck Red Bear; grandparents Ben and Sadie (Seaboy) Red Bear, Burton and Margaret (Stands on Top) Stepp and Eunice (Stands On Top) Sitting Crow; uncles Hamlin, Merton, James, Burton Jr. and Bill; a brother Rick Pickner; and a sister Debbie Pickner.
Funeral services for Charles “Sonny” Red Bear will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Crow Creek Tribal Gym at 1:00 PM.
Wake services will be held Thursday, February 20 and Friday, February 21 beginning at 8:00 PM at the Crow Creek Tribal Gym.
Honorary Casket Bearers are Duanna Red Elk, Angie Brockie, Jess Spotted Tail, Reva Hayes, Chepa Two Eagle, Melissa Shane, Loretta Iron, Mary Snowball, Thea Red Bear, Kellee Brewer, Amy Bear Skin, Ponka We Victors, CCHS Class of 1991, Little Sun Dance Group, Ethete Wyoming, Mert Howard, Sandra, Dodie, Teepsila & Joe White, Julie Blue Thunder, Geraldine Condon, Stephanie, Val & Charging Eagle, Lola, Andi & Jolene Hawk, Codi High Elk, A’Reta & Rhea Tom, Chico & Grace Her Many Horses, Ron & Lillian Good Eagle, Mike & Denise One Star, Verna Red Bear, Phil St. John, Helena, Teresa, Kim & Stormy Brockie, Tonya Moore, Relatives & Friends.
Casket Bearers are JC Kills Spotted, Londell Seaboy, Clay Crawford, Joe Taylor, Gerimiah Holy Bull, Milton Miller Sr., Tom Snowball.
Interment will be held at Christ Episcopal Cemetery, Fort Thompson, SD.
Chilson Funeral Home, Winsted, MN assisted the family with arrangements.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Find comfort knowing that Sonny is no longer in pain and suffering. Prayers for the family.
Sonny will be greatly missed.
Sonny was kind, honorable and respectful of any and all he met. His ready smile brightened up our lives. His laughter will be missed. He danced with grace and elegance, a gentlemen’s dance. We are blessed to have known him, and will always cherish the many memories we have of him. He was loved by many.
My deepest sympathies to Sonny’s family and friends. He was a very special man and I have very fond memories of him at Cheyenne Frontier Days. His wonderful smile always made my day. He will be greatly missed.
My prayers go out to the family of Sonny Red Bear. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, always smiling and laughing. I will miss you. I know you are in a better place and you touch many with your kindness, til we met again my friend.
Sonny, MahtoLuta Brave man of courage.
Fought the good fight and won. Your battle is done now, truly the term REST IN PEACE & LOVE applies to you. Toksa a’ke, See you later.
Our condolences to Theresa and Family, we know that no words can help ease the pain and loss that you are feeling right now. You are in our prayer and thought. Lois & Wayne Saskatoon, Sask Canada
Thank you Sonny for being my friend. Until we meet up again for God’s Grand Entry, dance keen dear friend. This is your Champion Spotlight Dance!
My friend, I will always remember the fun times we had! Only good memories and thank you for that. Rest now and we will see you again one day. <3
God Bless you and your family, me and my brother new Sonny from the pow wows. Silas and Charisse Satepauhoodle
So very about Sonny I knew him from CFD. I will miss him very much. My best to all of you. Vikki
Our condolences and love to Theresa Red Bear and the family of Sonny. May your broken hearts be comforted by the wonderful memories and the promise of Heaven.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and relatives of Sonny Red Bear..he will be missed.
So sorry sending prayers for strength and comfort for Teresa and Todd.
To his family: We share in your loss, he will be missed by all who knew him.