Jesse Ambrose McKay Jr.

Jesse A. “Big Jess” McKay, Jr. 53 of Fort Totten, ND began his journey to the Spirit World on Friday, April 13, 2007 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Funeral Services for Jesse will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten. Fr. Charles Leute will officiate and Jesse will be laid to rest in St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by VFW Post #6547. A Wake Service will be held at the Crow Hill Recreation Center, rural Fort Totten on Wednesday beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m. The procession to Crow Hill Recreation Center will leave the Wal-Mart Parking Lot at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Marine Honorary Bearers will be Cecil Longie, Sr., Duane “Deany” Blackbird, Daniel Cavanaugh Jr., Francis Redroad, Glen Abraham and Greg Feather. Marine Corp Color Guard: Terrance Morgan, Kenneth Greywater, Jr., Anthony Longie and Brandon Charboneau. Honorary Bearers will be Carl McKay, Alfreda Dunn, Jeannie Lohnes, Ann Skadsem, Joe Teel, and all his co-workers from Sioux Manufacturing Corporation over his 28 years of service and Thaddeus Demarce, Dean Dunn, Donald Belgarde Sr., Mark Longie, Eric Longie, Bruce McKay, Arthur Greene, Bill Klein and Raymond Michalek, Shareen Harrison and family and the Spirit Lake Casino Host/Hostess Department and Raymond Cavanaugh of the Spirit Lake Veterans Program. Active Casket Bearers will be stepson, Ron Delorme Jr.; grandson, Norris James Lohnes; nephews, Ron Jr., Royce “Stubby”, Brandon and Delano McKay, John Chaske, Jr., Dexter Greywind, Dan Cavanaugh III, Ryan Yankton, Sr., Tony McKay and Kyle Robertson. Jesse Ambrose McKay Jr. “Big Jess” was born on October 14, 1953 at Devils Lake, ND the 4th of 16 children (10 boys and 6 girls) born to Jesse A. and Angeline (Brown) McKay Sr. Jesse was reared on the Spirit Lake Nation in the Fort Totten area. He attended Wahpeton Boarding School through the 8th grade and then received his 9th grade education at Oberon High School. On May 11, 1972, Jesse enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and began his basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot MCRD) in San Diego, California. In order to meet the recruitment training standards, Pvt. McKay was sent to the P.C.P. (Physical Conditioning Platoon). In August 1972, Pvt. McKay began training with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. While in training Jesse lost his younger brother, Patrick McKay. After attending funeral services and some grievance time, Jesse returned to the MCRD. On November 1, 1972, after nearly 6 months, Pvt. McKay graduated from Recruit Training, earning his title as a US Marine. After I.T.S. (Infantry Training School), Jesse served with two Infantry Regiments of the 1st Marine Division; 1st Infantry Regiment and the famed 5th Marine Regiment. While serving in the Marines, Jesse met with other Marines from the Spirit Lake Nation, Cecil Longie, Duane Blackbird, Daniel Cavanaugh Jr., Francis Redroad, Glen Abraham and Greg Feather. Jesse served over 3 ½ years with the Marines and was honorably discharged on December 19, 1975 with the rank of Lance Corporal. His last assignment was with the Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st regiment of the 1st Marine Division. On March 15, 1976, Jesse began his 28 year career with Sioux Manufacturing Corporation. During his first 10 years he worked as a production assembler and then moved to molding department. Jesse retired on May 21, 2004. In remembering Jesse, SMC had once said of Jesse, “Jesse, a Marine Corp Veteran and his service has contributed to SMC’s ability to acquire defense contracts. As an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, he continued to serve and bring honor to the people of Spirit Lake.” On the 20th Anniversary of service with SCM, Jesse’s service salute read: “Jesse is not a many of words, but he is a real asset to Sioux Manufacturing Corporation”. Another tribute to Jesse and his work at SMC was that he was honored as one of their longest hourly employees. He refused many promotions, as he wanted to be “the working man”.” In 1979, Jesse met his spouse, Vivian “Dolly” Lohnes and to this union was born his two children, Francine Greene and Jesse A. McKay III. After Jesse retired from Sioux Manufacturing he lived out the rest of his days with his daughter, Francine and her husband, Arthur Greene in the Devils Lake area. Jesse was a member of the VFW Post #6547 and recently enrolled in the 1st Marine Division Association. Jesse enjoyed spending time at the Spirit Lake Casino, gambling and visiting friends and family. He enjoyed going to the Four Winds Indians Boys’ basketball games and watching sports on TV. Jesse will be remembered by his family and friends as a quiet and humble man, who lived his life quietly and peacefully. He will be truly missed by all. Jesse is survived by his spouse, Vivian Lohnes, St. Michael Son: Jesse A. McKay III also of St. Michael Daughter; Francine (Arthur) Greene, Devils Lake Grandchildren: Jesse A. McKay IV, Ray Ann McKay, Antoinette Lohnes, Mary Delorme, Norris James Lohnes and Jolene Murphy. Brothers: Ronald Sr., Roger Sr., Corbett, Murray and Kenneth McKay Sisters: Ramona (John) Chaske, Lorraine, Georgeline, Deanna and Rosita McKay Aunt: Mary Louise (Brown) Thompson Godchildren: Roger “RJ” Yankton, Jr and Ryan Yankton Sr. Step Sons: Ron Delorme Sr. and Anthony Delorme Many Nieces, Nephews, Grandchildren and Cousins also survive. Jesse was preceded into the Spirit World by his parents, Jesse A. and Angeline McKay; brothers, Patrick, Robert “Sox”, Jerome “Sonny”, Rodney “Cowboy” McKay; sister, Barbara “Granny” McKay and granddaughter, Dolly Mae Delorme.