Michael J. "Mike" Graywater

Michael “Mike” J. Graywater Sr., Iyozanzan Ihakanu (Comes Shining) 73, of St. Michael, ND entered the Spirit World on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family and many dear friends. Mass of Christian Burial for Mike will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Michael. Fr. Paul Ruge will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in the Graywater Family Cemetery, rural St. Michael. A Wake will be held at the St. Michael Recreation Center on Tuesday beginning at 5:00 p.m. A Rosary and Prayer Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael’s Recreation Center will leave from the Mike and Pauline Graywater residence at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Serving as Casket Bearers for Mike will be Sheldon Greywater, Marty Greywater, Denny Graywater, Rob Graywater, Fulton Merrick Jr., Lance Young, Kalum Yankton and Joe Yankton. Honorary Bearers will be: Charlotte and Bill Monette, Jim and Melinda Thompson, Jim and Deanna Baker, Robert and Karen Herman Jr., Robert Thompson, Rena Little-Lohnes, Barbara Jackson, Wesley Young, Gloria Alberts, Dolores Lohnes, Marie Baker, Dr. Corbett, Dr. Montaniel, Irene Littlewind, Norma Rainbow, Donnie Belgarde, Art Thompson, Aloysius Cloud, Gandi Shaw, Joseph Lawrence Sr., Robert Little, Patrick Yankton, Lawrence Littleghost, Delbert Cloud, Solomon Sherman, Merle IronHawk, Brendan Belgarde, Elton Greywater, Joanne Redroad, Tony McDonald family, Corrine Chaske and daughters, Dwayne and Karen White Cloud family of Sioux Valley, Manitoba, Canada, Bradley Larson and Larson family, Anderson families, Gerald Thompson family of Sisseton, SD, Whalen and Renita Shaw family, Clayton and Pam Rainbow family, Bobbie Gates family of Fort Yates, ND, Bert’s Deep Rock and Staff, Credit Union Employees, Sundancers, Sobriety Riders, the Prayer Group and all of Mike’s other friends we may have inadvertently failed to mention by name as we make our way through this very difficult time. Music will be provided by Tony and Vina McDonald and family and the many drum groups and singers of the Spirit Lake Nation. Michael Joseph Graywater was born on September 21, 1934, the son of Alex and Elizabeth (Belgarde) Graywater Sr. at his parents’ home in the East end district of the Spirit Lake Nation. Mike would make the Spirit Lake Nation his home his entire life. He attended school in Fort Totten and as a young man he worked for the Woods family. He later worked for the HIP (Home Improvement Program) for 15 years and was a Bus Driver for St. Michael’s Little Flower School for 3 years. Mike was employed with Lake Region Asphalt and also worked as Head of Security for the Bingo Hall at St. Michael. Mike worked at Sioux Manufacturing Corporation for 11 years until he retired due to illness. During his retirement, Mike worked in the Senior Companion Program until the time of his death. Mike and Pauline were a devoted couple for over 40 years and were united in marriage on November 21, 1975 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Michael’s Parish, the Prayer Group and Mike was also a Sundancer. Mike truly loved being a part of family gatherings and was very devoted to his grandchildren. He and Pauline went to many pow-wows across the country and they were very strong supporters of the Sobriety Riders which also took them to many different places and many experiences. They were always there to help in any way they could and to pray for family and friends in need. His legacy of love and devotion for family, the twinkle in his eyes and the smile on his face are memories we will hold forever in our hearts. May you rest in God’s peace. Mike is survived by his wife, Pauline Son: Michael Graywater Jr.; Daughter: Marsha Martin; Step-Sons: Roger (Brenda) Yankton Sr., Quentin (Sharlene) Yankton, Sr., Alex (Connie) Yankton, James (Cathy) Yankton Jr., Scott Yankton and Alfred Longie Sr. Step-Daughters: Celeste Herman, Clarice (Joseph Sr.) Lawrence, Valerie (Lawrence) Yankton, Jackie Yankton, Paulette (Jerry) Lenoir Sr. and Andrea (Roger) Ironshield. Many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren Brothers: Andrew (MaryJo) Graywater, Kenneth (Beverly) Graywater, Robert Graywater and Verle Greywater. Sisters: Delemma Graywater, Pamela Graywater and Renae (James) Lenoir Step-Sisters: Barbara Robertson, Beverly LaBelle, Brenda (Roger) Brown, Sonta (Dean) Dauphinais and Della Belgarde. Godchild: Sheldon Greywater Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alex Graywater Jr, Richard Graywater Sr., and infant brothers, Israel and Damian Graywater; granddaughters, Jenny Thompson, Mary Littlewind, Michelle Littlewind and Debra Yankton and grandsons, Barry Young, Whitney Yankton and Todd Allan Yankton.