Curtis D. Black

Curtis Dean Black, 61 of Wood Lake passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2024.

Visitation and prayer service will be on Sunday, June 30th, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church with a rosary and prayer service at 6:00 p.m. The procession will leave from Gilbertson’s parking lot at 4:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michaels Catholic Church with Father Paul Schuster celebrating the Mass. 

Curtis Dean, the only son of Lea Brunelle and Peter Black was born on June 5, 1963 in Aberdeen, SD. Curtis was raised in the St. Michael District. 

Curtis is survived by his wife Kristi, sons Derrek and Joran, grandson Osker Black. Sisters Donna (Cody) Black-Graywater, Joan (Perry) Black Cavanaugh, Merry Brunelle, Melissa (Larry) Brunelle, Sharon Black, Frankie Chaske and Brenda (John) Bogush. Brothers Claude Black, Andy and Marshall Demarce. Aunt Carol Black, Uncles Jimmy Baker, Doug (Ester) Hubbel and Carl Merrick (McMolly). Nephews Brandon Sullivan, Chris (Hope) Bogush, Leland (Miranda) Cavanaugh, Cody Jr., Calden and Heyaka Fox, Melvin (Kristen) Langstaff Jr., Jerrod (Lauren) Brunelle, Myron Azure Sr., Ryley Brunelle, Nieces Heather Sullivan, Clarissa(Jason) Robertson, Shayna(Dion) Black, Bailee (Rock jr.) Langstaff and Dr. Leah Bogush. God Children Clarissa Robertson, Leland Cavanaugh and Jerrod Brunelle. 

In his early years, Curtis spent time with Andy Demarce Sr. and family who taught him how to drum and sing. Curtis considered Andy Jr. and Marshall his brothers and enjoyed spending time together playing basketball, teasing and laughing when they were together.

Curtis attended St. Marys Academy and Warwick Public School. In 1985, he earned a Peace Officer certificate from United Tribes Technical College.

In 1986, Curtis started his career with the Bureau of Indians Affairs as a police officer. He also worked for Sioux Manufacturing for several years, Warehouse Manager and Housing Inspector for Spirit Lake Housing, Tribal Construction Inspector, Home Improvement Program Director, Lease Compliance Officer, Covid 19 Project Coordinator and Tribal Maintenance for the Spirit Lake Tribe. In all, he worked 29 years for the Spirit Lake Tribe. He worked hard all his life for his Tribe and was always looking for ideas to make life better for the people at Spirit Lake.

In high school his passion was playing basketball from there he started playing basketball with the Wood Lake Traveling team. In the beginning they lost more games than they won but eventually the team would go on to win many championships locally as well as throughout the States. He was most proud of winning the National Indian Basketball Championship in Arizona several times. He was inducted in to the United Tribes Hall of Fame in 2016. He loved spending time with his grandson, teaching him how to bait a hook, fish and hunt, going to horse races, bull riding events, branding cattle, fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, taking credit for his wife’s baking every chance he got, visiting and drinking beer at Eds Bait Shop. He enjoyed putting in a garden and watching the birds in the summer time feeding out of the many bird feeders he put out. He had a kind heart and would help anyone in need. He cherished his many friendships, family and the relationships he had with them. He loved to joke and tease and would give nick names to his family and friends. When he attended Pow Wows his favorite was watching the grass and chicken dancers often selecting the winners before they were picked. 

Curtis was proceeded in death by his parents Peter and Lea Black, Evelyn Greene, Grandparents Charlie and Josephine Black, Alice and Edward Brunelle Sr., Uncles Donald and Charles Black Jr., Clifford Allery, Edward Brunelle Jr., Aunts Ruth Ann and Corrine Brunelle, Evelyn Black and Deanna Baker, Brothers Richard Sr., Charles III, Craig and Bennett Black, Sisters Ann Marie Black, Connie Black, Kerry and Cheryl Brunelle, Nephews Ian Bogush, Sheldon Black and Parker Mudgett.

Urn bearer Duane Smith

Honorary Bearers are Helena Littleghost, Justin Swires, Bonita Morin, Pat WalkingEagle, Andy and Marshall Demarce, Brendon Flatt, Rolanda and Spender Laducer, Loretta and Glen Delorme, Bernie Yazzie, Carl and Sheila Baker, Debbie and Dave Cavanaugh, Wanda and Ron Parisian, Edward Davis, Sarah DeLeon and family, Darwin Brown, Belinda Murphy, Paul Saastad, Duane and Robin Smith, Rick Smith, Riley Smith, Dennis Smith, Daryl Smith, Oliver Gourd Sr, Robin and Paul Lawrence, Davy and Joy Davidson, Lance and Lisa Kimmerly, Eunice and Dave Davidson, Ann and Darlene Wadsworth, Glen Abraham, Todd and Sheila Belgarde, Vincent Shaw, Matt Robertson, Alberta Dunn, Justin and Brooke Yankton, Kurt Keplin, Wayne and Jen Black, Joanne Yankton, Jaylan and Shayna Ross Black, Janice and Gary Delorme, Tony Delorme, Sean Gourd Sr., Blain Leftbear, Dave (Old Man) Redfox, Jason Green, Vickie Beckstrand, Denise Harrington, Merle and Lisa Ironhawk, Darcie and Corey Delorme, Clark and Joann Defler, Terry and Jane Smith, Cankdeska Cikana College and Board of Regents, Four Winds High School.