Sylvester F. DeMarce

Sylvester F. DeMarce, “Tiokawikganiguma” (He rode into the enemy and walked away) 73 of Fort Totten, died Tuesday morning, August 12, 2008 at his home in Fort Totten. The Wake for Sylvester will be held on Friday, August 15, 2008 at the Tekakwitha Center, St. Michael beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Brian Moen officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. The procession to the Tekakwitha Center in St. Michael will leave the Wal-Mart Parking Lot on Friday at 4:00 p.m. All singers and drums are welcome. Serving as Casket Bearers for Sylvester will be Jake Thompson, Nathan “Jimmy” Smith, Josie “Cowboy” Lawrence Jr., James Summers, Trestan DeMarce, Joel Cavanaugh, Chad DeMarce and Josh Colon. Honorary Bearers will be Isaac Mallard, Solomon Sherman, Gerald Wanna, Jim Baker, Ambrose Littleghost and family, Lawrence Littleghost, Connie Rainbow, Larry Greene, John and Penny Knudson, Demus McDonald, Cletus Lawrence, the Lawrence family, Joyce Tomahawk and family, Brooks and Cheryl GoodIron, Ernestine and Charles Foote, Donald Belgarde Sr., Andy DeMarce Sr., Oliver Gourd Sr., Clayton and Pam Rainbow, Russ McDonald, Theresa Brown, Paul and Joanne, Darrel Smith, Penny Haugen, Jeannie Charboneau, Kenneth and Flo Dunn, Buddy Longie, Philip “Skip” Longie and Evelyn Black. Sylvester was born September 1, 1934 in rural St. Michael, the son of Francis and Rose (Wakaksan) DeMarce. His parents had both died when Sylvester was very young, so he was raised by his grandmother, Katie Lawrence. He attended Little Flower Mission School in St. Michael and also the Fort Totten Boarding School. In his younger years he was active in rodeo, riding bulls and saddle bronc. He also enjoyed Pow-Wows. Being a champion men’s Traditional Dancer, he spent many years on the Pow-Wow circuit. He cared about his Traditions, he was a pipe carrier and Sun Dancer. Sylvester worked at various tribal programs including, the group home, Chief Judge and Fort Totten Council member. He worked at the Bingo Palace in St. Michael and also for Spirit Lake Tribal Gaming. He was also employed as a carpenter and construction worker, helping to build the Four Winds Community School and many housing projects on the reservation. He worked in education as a Dakota Language Instructor at Four Winds School and also at Cankdeska Cikana College both Fort Totten. He will be missed! Sylvester is survived by his sons, David and Marshall (Molly) DeMarce of Fort Totten; Daughters: Dawn DeMarce, Mayville, ND, Melanie, Vanessa, Leah, Roanna (Dale) and Mary DeMarce all of Fort Totten; There are 24 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Sylvester’s god children, Josie “Cowboy” Lawrence Jr., Darren DeMarce and Franklin Tomahawk. His sisters, Lois Red Elk, Elaine Summers and Iris Allrunner all of Wolf Point, Montana; brothers, Russell Red Elk of Wolf Point and Josie Lawrence Sr. of Fort Totten. Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Rose; grandmother, Katie Lawrence; one brother and one great grandson, Hayden Littleghost.