Freeman James Whiteshield Sr.

Freeman James Whiteshield Sr., "Wakinyan Waci Wicasa" (Dancing Thunder) age 62 years of St. Michael, ND began his journey back to the Spirit World on Friday, June 20, 2025. How Wakinyan Waci Wicasa received his spiritual name.” Deksi Freeman when we sang for him that night, he passed away the lightning and Thunder was lighting up the sky and it was like they were dancing to that song. The Thunder beings are his Spiritual relatives that’s who came after him!!!”

Freeman began his earthly journey August 23, 1962, in Devils Lake, ND the son of Felix and Lucy (Mallard) Whiteshield. He attended his elementary years at St. Michael’s Elementary School. He then moved onto Fort Totten High School, where he graduated in 1980.

In 1980, Freeman met and married Irene BullBear and to this marriage they had five children; Felix Leo, Francine, Freeman Jr., Fabian, and Fulton.

His lifetime achievements throughout the years on this earth where Freeman was willing to do anything, such as playing basketball in High School or being the mascot; being a role model to the young children; even playing Santa Claus for them at HeadStart; standing his post as Security Guard, making sure everyone felt safe within the walls of the Casino. He even applied himself to a leadership role as Tribal Chairman, wanting to give a voice for the people. He also worked at Wal-Mart, making sure the place was sparkling and clean for all the customers that came through those doors.

Freeman married Lea Kills Plenty and they established their home in Fort Totten.

Freeman was kind-hearted, family strong, hard-working, and always thought of others. He enjoyed every moment spent with his family. He loved them all.

Freeman’s loving family include his five children and fifteen grandchildren Felix Whiteshield; Francine Whiteshield and children Elise, Matti and Blake Rattling Thunder; Freeman Whiteshield Jr. and children Kaitriel, Joaquin, Nevaeh, Tsosie, Shayliah, and Kingston Whiteshield; Fabian Whiteshield and children Lauren (deceased), Micheala, Heavenly, and Fabian Whiteshield Jr.; Fulton Whiteshield and children Ilena and Fulton Whiteshield Jr.; wife Lea Whiteshield; sisters Bernadine (Lee) Whiteshield, Sharon Brien, Elaine Guy, Carol (Duck) Littleghost, and Brenda Whiteshield; many precious nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was reunited on the other side with his parents, Felix and Lucy, granddaughter Lauren Whiteshield, sisters Mary Lovejoy, Mary Ann BlackBull, Doris Whiteshield, Tina Whiteshield, Nita Whiteshield, Richard Whiteshield and Wilson Whiteshield; uncles Sebastian Mallard and Isaac Mallard.

Pallbearers will be: Felix Whiteshield, Fulton Whiteshield, Keith Longie, Gerald “Jar” Longie, Jeff Whiteshield, Bill Brien, Wilson Whiteshield, Austin Longie, and Dan Titel.

Honorary Bearers: Victor Jackson, Jerry Vaulters Jr., Jody White, Richard and Lonna Street, Lois Leban and Family, Debbie Little and family, Roger Yankton and family, Kris White and family, Derrick Jackson and family, Chad Driver, Raymond Merrick, Tommy Joshua, Imogene Belgarde, Arlene Belgarde, Audrey Belgarde, Barbara and Joe Jackson, Rena Lohnes and family, Erin BlackBull and family, Laci BlackBull, Nicole BlackBull, Lynn Sanchez, Theresa Brien and family, Neva Whiteshield, Lynn Guy, Miranda Guy, Marilyn Thompson and family, Oliver and Charlie Gourd, Debbie Gourd and family, Darlene Geller, Lily Owlboy and family, Philomene CallousLeg and family. Jada Longie, Jordyn Longie, Jayson Longie, Tim TwoHearts Jr., Lora Lee TwoHearts and family, Warshield White, Brenda Jackson, Jeanetta Jackson, Diane Jackson, Doris Longie. If we forgot to name anyone it was not intentional, please forgive us. Freeman had many friends and family who meant the world to him.

The Wake for Freeman will be on Monday, June 30, 2025 at the St. Michael's Wellness Center, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a time of Prayer and Remembrance at 7:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael will leave on Monday at 4:00 p.m. from City Plaza, Devils Lake.

Funeral Services for Freeman will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Michael's Wellness Center with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery.