MARK DEAN GOURD

Mark “Mazakahomni” Gourd was born, April 12th 1964 in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He was a direct descendent from Chief Wakinyan Duta “Red Thunder”, a full blooded Ihanktonwanna Dakotah of the Seven Campfires. His eldest son was hereditary Chief Waanatan, “Charges his enemy”, a full blooded Ihanktonwanna Dakotah from the Pabaska Band. His eldest son was hereditary Chief Waanatan II, a full blood of the Mni Wakan Dakotah Oyate. His eldest son Clement “Suna” Waanatan, a full blood and hereditary chief. His eldest daughter was Philomine Waanatan full blood of the Mni Wakan Dakotah Oyate and her son was Isreal Gourd Sr., was Marks Ate “father” and his Ina “mother” was Mary Jane “Mazakahomni” Gourd. He grew up on the Spirit Lake Reservation and attended at Fort Totten, ND. After graduation Mark enrolled at Haskell Indian College in Lawrence,Kansas. He lived there for most of his life. Mark enlisted into the Navy and was honorably discharged. He made many friends in Kansas and lived throughout the states. He was thought of as a special person from those who were close to him. He had kind words for his friends and family. Mark was known as a giver. He eventually moved back to North Dakota and recently attended UTTC Technical College in Bismarck, ND and was going for his C.N.A. and wanted to get his L.P.N. Marks ultimate goal was to obtain a Registered Nurse to help people. While in college he began to Traditional Dance. He loved his language and culture. Mark Gourd was survived by his special friend Beverly Rose. His brothers Francis Brown, Oliver Gourd Sr “Spotted Feather” (Charlene) married 26 years. His sisters Beth Funmaker, Marilyn Wilson, Debra Gourd. Adopted father Pastor Virgil King. Nephews: Lonnie Gourd (Blacktail Deer), Oliver Gourd Jr., Micheal Gourd, Sean Gourd, Derrick Jackson, Victor Jackson, Brandon Jackson, Frank Gourd, Bryan Gourd, Cona Funmaker, Kelly Stone, Charles Stone, Steven Stone, David Wilson, Fabian Wilson, Christian Wilson, Sky Hicks, Joe Belanton. Nieces: Natasha Gourd (Different Star Woman), Heather Jackson, Dawn Jackson, Heather Jackson, Avis Charley, Dakota Funmaker, Natalie Funmaker, Erica Funmaker, Amanda Charley, Mary Wilson, Morning Star Gourd, Cynthia Jetty, Mary Belanton. Many great nephews, nieces, and cousins. If we missed anyone’s name please forgive us, Mark had many friends he cared deeply about. Active Pallbearers: Francis Brown, Oliver Gourd J.R., Micheal Gourd, Sean Gourd, Kelly Brown, Lonnie Gourd, Derrick Jackson, Victor Jackson. Preceded in death by his father Isreal Gourd Sr., mother Mary Jane “Mazakahomni” Gourd, brother Isreal “Ben” Gourd, brother Allen Gourd, sisters Marie Gourd, Janice Gourd, adopted mother May Whiteman and many aunts and uncles. There will be honorary military service and burial for Mark in the spring. Mark D. Gourd, 49, “Mazakahomni” Whirling Iron” of the Spirit Lake Nation, St. Michael, ND passed away on Saturday afternoon, December 7, 2013 at the Sanford Health Medical Center in Fargo. There will be a time of visitation and remembrance for Mark on Monday, December 16, 2013 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Michael, ND. The procession to St. Michael’s Catholic Church will leave at 12:00 noon on Monday from the Wal-Mart lot. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16th at the church and burial will take place in the spring in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors at that time. The family of Mark invites everyone to join them in the Mass and then to share a meal in the basement of St. Michael’s Church.