Emerson Phillip BigTrack Jr.

Emerson P. Big Track Jr., “O we Tanka Suta Ehpeya” (Left Big Strong Tracks) 54 of Devils Lake and the Spirit Lake Nation, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks ND.

Remembering the life of Emerson Big Track who was born in Devils Lake ND on August 2, 1967. He was the son of Emerson Big Track Sr. and Velma Jane (Cavanaugh) Big Track. He attended school in St. Michael and then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for seven years.  He returned to North Dakota and attended Four Winds High School.

Emerson worked various jobs. He was fluent in several different languages including Dakota, German, Spanish and Mandarin. 

Emerson met and later married Cathy Lill on December 23, 1992 and they divorced in 1996. They had three daughters Elizabeth Ashley, Ashley Elizabeth and Kaitlyn Nicole Big Track. He married Delphine Tikanye in 2000 and they were the proud parents of a son, David. They later separated. 

For many years, Emerson shared his life and his love with his soul mate Brandy Popelka. They have most recently made their home in Minot.

Emerson will be forever loved, forever missed and forever in our hearts.

Emerson is survived by his children Ashley Big Track and Kaitlyn Big Track; grandchildren AunnaLisa Engh, Anastasia Big Track and Kobe Poitra; brothers Lydell Big Track and Thomas Big Track; adopted sisters Florence Welch, Sandra Hegland and Alicia Hegland; adopted brother Martin Hegland; his beloved Brandy Popelka and her daughter Emma Hill; many precious nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He will be reunited in his heavenly home with his parents, daughter Elizabeth Ashley Big Track, son David Tikanye, sister Thomasine Big Track, adopted father Allan Hegland and foster mother his aunt Delima Cavanaugh, his grandparents and other dear relatives.

 Casket Bearers will be Tom Big Track, Lydell “Spy” Big Track, Wesley Big Track Sr., Calvin Thompson, Vance Thompson and Cameron Howard. Honorary Bearers will be Marty Hegland, Jim Duffy, Willis Herald, Florence Welch, Sandra Hegland, Alicia Hegland, Nicky Woods, Craig Thompson, Melvin Greybear, Loren Greybear, Rani Howard, Steve Brown and Andrew DeMarce Jr.

A Wake will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Fort Totten Recreation Center beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Larry Thiele officiating. The procession to Fort Totten will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday from City Plaza in Devils Lake.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, June 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Totten Recreation Center with Pastor Paul Young officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery. 

Music will be provided by Kris White, Darla Thiele, Marva Tollefson and the Eagle Tail Singers, Daryl ThreeIrons Drum Group and all Drum Groups and Singers are welcome to share their songs in memory of Emerson.  A Special Tribute by James Hunt.