DENVER LEE LITTLEWIND

Wakuta Hoksina – Hunting Boy

Denver Lee Littlewind, 50 of Crow Hill, ND, a Spirit Lake Tribal member began his journey peacefully on July 20th, 2026 in Fargo, ND, leaving behind his loving parents Whalen Bud Shaw Sr. and Renita (Littlewind) Shaw. Denver was born December 20th, 1975 in Devils Lake, ND. Baptized at Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Wake services will be held at the Crow Hill Recreation Center, rural Ft. Totten Tuesday July 28, beginning at 6:00 pm with Rosary Service at 7:00 pm. Traditional Services Following: Gerard Thompson. The procession to Crow Hill will leave Tuesday at 5:00 pm from City Plaza, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 29th at 10:00 am at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Ft. Totten, ND with Father Steven Meyers celebrating Mass. His remains will be cremated, Burial will be at a later date All drum groups and singers are welcomed.

Pallbearers: Darin Hoyt, Thomas Solwey, Pedro Meyers, Wayne Black, Devin Littlewind, Zac Littlewind, and Jordan Skadsem.

Renita as a single parent, raised Denver with her eight siblings in the Crow Hill District. He always had family around him. His cute, adorable “Campbell Soup” look won the hearts of many in his childhood years. Renita married her husband Whalen when Denver was 4 yrs. old. Denver found his teacher of many of life skills, his hunting partner and loving father who taught him also the joy of humor and laughter. Bud has shared his steadfast support, understanding and heart with Denver throughout his life. His great grandfather Joseph “Grampsie” Littlewind was key in Denver’s upbringing, he made sure Denver had all the important and joyful experiences through his growing childhood years. Grampsie shared with Denver awareness and respect for our culture, heritage, and traditions. Grampsie was a traditional singer of our songs. Each morning with his hand drum he would start the day singing his prayer songs and then his moccasin songs. Denver was able to hear his voice and songs often and learned to carry his Grampsie’s teachings into the next generations.

Denver was fortunate to have many positive influence’s that helped build the young man he became. Denver had a very special second father and mentor who helped him learn his farming and ranching skills, Richard Wooley. His Uncle Alfred Littlewind, Aunt Marla and Uncle Cornelius Kirk, grandparents Ralph and Ida Little Owl helped strengthen his knowledge in caring for animals, hunting wildlife for food, taught and encouraged his participation in rodeo life including the travels, skill in riding bulls, and working the chutes. They also introduced him to the pow-wow world of our traditional ways, singing, traditional dancing and much more. He treasured each of their teachings up to the day he left us

Denver enjoyed his school years, he played High School Football and Legion Baseball. As a young person he was a positive example as a youth advocate and leader in many activities to help youth grow in strength for future endeavors. He was awarded special recognition in the national youth organizations of (AISES) American Indian Science and Engineering Society & (UNITY) United National Indian Tribal Youth. Traveling to regional and national meetings. He did original art work which was used for one of the organizations.

His work and career centered around his love of outdoors, nature and animals. He served as Bison Coordinator for his tribe and in many Construction projects over the years with Black Excavation, Ames Construction, Morlock, Hoyt, Gray Tech & Twin Cities Construction. Denver began his 15-year wildland firefighting career in May 2000. He completed his rookie training in Fort Totten, North Dakota, where he built the foundation for a distinguished career in wildland fire management. Through hard work, dedication, and extensive training, Denver earned qualifications as PTRC, RADO, Crew Boss, and Engine boss. Throughout his career, he responded to wildland fires in 15 states, gaining invaluable leadership experience while proudly representing the Spirit lake Fire Management Program with honor, professionalism, and dedication. Over the course of his 15 years of service, Denver demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting natural resources, supporting fellow firefighters, and serving his community. His leadership, experience, and dedication left a lasting impact on the Spirit Lake Fire Management Program and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. He enjoyed hard work until his health conditions worsened. Denver stayed active in community service projects and participating in his special interests. Denver was also very skilled in horsemanship, he joined the neighborhood local ranchers in trail rides, rodeos, and loved the friendships he made. He served as an appointed Judicial Committee representative for his district. He was influential in the development of youth rodeo activities, serving as Rodeo Coordinator for over 9 yrs. and worked hard with others in the development of the Rodeo Grounds dedicated in honor of his “Grampsie”. Denver also as a Bull Rider achieved riding in the NDRA Finals. He attended Bull Riding school in 1992 with 8x world champion Don Gay as the guest instructor, also included instruction from professional native Saddle Bronc Riders Philip Whiteman, Jr. and Monty Hawkeye Henson. Denver was later featured in the Western Horseman magazine photo with Don Gay and brother Fabian Littlewind. In the past 5 years Denver began his newfound hobby of leather work and creating beautiful belts. He enjoyed dedicating his time in the past as Drum Keeper for the Powwow committee. Denver was an avid Dart Player with many championship wins, his love of fishing and bow hunting brought him many other trophies.

Becoming a father was one of the greatest moments in his life. He loved unconditionally, cherished each of his children (biological or adopted) with his whole heart. And to highlight his life even more, were his grandchildren who absolutely melted his heart. How he loved them. His gifts to his children, grandchildren, family and friends were always practical but always from his heart.

Denver leaves here at his earthly home his parents Whalen and Renita; children Jordan Skadsem, Rayeisha King, Devin Littlewind, Whitney Littlewind, Zachary Littlewind, Brianna Littlewind, Denali Littlewind; Grandchildren; Melody, Adalia, Acelyn, Knox, Patrick, Maverick, Oaklynn, August; brothers Gandi Shaw and Bryer Shaw; adopted brother Tom Solwey; adopted daughter; Jadyn Arneson, great grandmothers; Ardis Shaw, Onna Littleghost, Ramona Cannon, Helena Littleghost, great grandfather Vincent Shaw.

He is preceded in death by and welcoming him to his eternal rest are his biological father Maynard Bull, brothers; Tobias “Bio”, Whalen, Jr. and Andrew Shaw, Fabian Littlewind, Laverne “Bundy” Littlewind; adopted brother; Allen Alberts; sister; Meada Jetty. Along with many other loving relatives

Honorary Pallbearer

The many drum group singers Denver sang with over the years, the Sundance families, Rodeo Cowboys Denver travelled and rode with in Rodeo’s. All Denver’s friends and relatives: Ed Solwey, Gerard Thompson, Joe Bear and Sunny Bear, Benny Paulson, Peewee Wetzel, Jennifer Black, Jeff Anderson and Family, Brody Hoyt, Levi Hoyt, Spirit Lake Fire Management, Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife, Steve Kraft and Tim Kraft, Spirit Lake Youth Rodeo, Scott Jetty and Family, Howard Ehlers and Family, Dart Friends, Hunting Friends, Manny Medicine Stone, Joseph Dunn, Elvis Thumb Jr (Bummy), Michelle Myrick, The Boote Family, Gary and Judy Geske, Peter Charboneau, Myra and Stubby Dubois. His Honorary pallbearer were to numerous to mention, so if we missed anyone we’re sorry it wasn’t intentional.

Special Appreciation

Staff of the Dialysis Centers and Spirit Lake Health Transportation Drivers who cared for Denver’s health through 9 years of Dialysis treatment. Hospital Medical teams who provided special care for Denver.

Denver Lee Littlewind, "Wakuta Hoksina" (Hunting Boy) passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Essentia Health In Fargo, ND with loving family at his side.

The Wake for Denver will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Crow Hill Wellness Center, rural Fort Totten beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. The procession to Crow Hill will leave at Tuesday, at 5:00 p.m. from City Plaza, Devils Lake.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten with Reverend Steven Meyers celebrating the Mass. Burial will be at a later date.