Wilfred Joseph, 57, of Wagner

Mahpiya Ska Wilfred "Willie" Keith Joseph, age 57, of Wagner, SD, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2013 in Sioux Falls due to medical complications. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD. Reverend Hampton Andrews will officiate the UCC portion with Alan Hare proceeding over the traditional spiritual ceremonies. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be at the Bonesteel City Hall beginning at noon Sunday, September 22 and Monday, September 23.

Pallbearers will be Virgil Charging Hawk, Jesse Charging Hawk, Guy Lovell, Chad Nielson, Mike Herman, and Wambli Joseph.

Honorary Pallbearers will be family, friends, children, grandchildren, and all those that loved Willie J.

Wilfred "Willie" Keith Joseph was born on June 14, 1957 to Roland A. Joseph and Ruby M. LeClaire in Pierre, SD. Willie grew up in the Bonesteel and Wagner area. He graduated with his GED in 1988 and then pursued college courses at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD. Over his lifetime, Willie worked in several faucets from being a youth counselor and advisor to maintenance. His greatest work involved his contributions to his tribe members in Fort Thompson and Eagle Butte areas.

Willie loved being surrounded by family and loved ones. His laugh was contagious, and he always had smiles to pass on to those around him. One of his greatest loves was his artwork – from beadwork to leatherwork. Willie was proud of his heredity and participated in many dances and pow-wows as he grew up.

He was preceded in death by his father Roland, mother Ruby, and granddaughter Autumn Rose.

Willie will be lovingly missed by his wife, Eunice (and her extended family) and his children: son Barrett Haukaas and wife Kally of Vermillion; daughter Vanessa Speidel-Joseph and children Winona, Chaske, and Aaron of Canada; son Lloyd Joseph, wife Becky, and child David of Watertown; daughter Malissa Joseph, husband Michael, and children Santee-Rain, Misunlowan, and Denesi of Canada; and son Jesse Joseph, wife Stella, and children Arabella and Alyssa of Rapid City. Also, he will be greatly missed by many brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandchildren, and endless friends.