Solomon F. Sherman

Solomon F. Sherman “Pte San Wicasta” (Grey Buffalo Man) began his journey to the Spirit World on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center. He was 95. He was the last surviving World War II Veteran on the Spirit Lake Nation. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten, ND from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. The procession to Fort Totten will leave on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. from City Plaza.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. also at Seven Dolors Catholic Church with Reverend Charles Leute OP celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Jerome’s Cemetery in the spring. 

Solomon Francis Sherman was born on October 1, 1924 at Fort Totten, ND the son of John and Emma (Goodbear) Sherman. He grew up in the St. Michael area, attending St. Michael’s Indian Mission Boarding School until the 7^th grade and continued his studies at St. Paul’s Indian Mission Boarding School in Marty, South Dakota.  Even though he was away from home to attend school, Solomon felt strong ties and bonds with his family through the years.  Solomon was at one time married to Corrine BlackBird and they were the proud parents of a daughter, Mildred.

Just before he turned 19, Solomon was drafted into military service. He had not graduated yet, but because of his high score on an aptitude test he was able to choose which branch of the service he preferred.  On October 1, 1943, Solomon entered the US Navy and honorably served his country during World War II.  After boot camp in Idaho he went to Bremerton, Washington for training aboard an aircraft carrier.  He was assigned to the Ommaney Bay Aircraft Carrier (nicknamed Kaiser Coffins because of their small stature and welded construction). The Ommaney Bay’s maiden voyage was to Brisbane, Australia and part of a large convoy to the Philippines where General Douglas MacArthur was commanding forces. 

Solomon was certainly a hero to many after the Ommaney Bay was attacked and sunk. He saved several fellow sailors both aboard the ship and while trying to survive in the ocean, volunteered for search and rescue of survivors and his keen instincts of survival.  Solomon also served aboard the Mississippi and was honorably discharged on December 2, 1952.  He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific pin and a star for each battle he had been in.  Solomon came from a long line of warriors/veterans including his brothers and uncles who served in the military.

Solomon returned home and spent the rest of his life on the Spirit Lake Nation. He worked for many years as a farm laborer for area farmers and later as a Security Guard for the Tribal Offices Building. He also worked with Senior Meals at the Elderly Center.  He did not want to retire, but do to health issues forced to retire when he was well into his 80’s.  He loved to be busy and was always found working in his yard mowing or shoveling snow.  He also enjoyed going to the Casino, visiting with old friends and making new ones.

Solomon was a free spirit, a kind man, a man of wisdom, with a sense of humor and so very patient. He was a great listener and observer of human behavior and if you were with him long enough, he would tell you a story or give advice.  He showed great dedication to his country, his family, his faith.  Solomon was the recipient of an honorary high school diploma in 2010.

Solomon is survived by his loving family. His daughter Mildred McKay, Fort Totten and daughter Doreen Nyland of Fargo, ND; sister Stella Cavanaugh; four grandchildren Lisa Burdick, Jaime Burdick, Crystal McKay and Ashley McKay; nine great grandchildren Mindy Delorme; Jachelle Burdick, Jaime Burdick Jr., Brennen Burdick; Neela James; Alexis DeMarce, twins Demitri DeMarce and Thomas DeMarce Jr, Kirstyn DeMarce; seven great great grandchildren Kenshin, Jax, Ameriah, Ashtynne, Athena, Aundre, Carter and many other grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews John, Evelyn, Astel, Anita, Justin and Patrick and other beloved family members.

Solomon is welcomed home to his heavenly home by his parents; great grandson Ashton Thompson; brothers David and Patrick Sherman; nephews Rodney and Joseph Cavanaugh; grandparents Joseph and Alice Sherman and Noah Goodbear.

Active Pallbearers will be Solomon’s Grandsons and Nephews: Jaime Burdick Sr., Jaime Burdick Jr., Brennen Burdick, T.J. DeMarce, Demitri DeMarce, Patrick Cavanaugh and Justin Cavanaugh.

Honorary Bearers include Joseph Lawrence, Billy Joshua, Andy Demarce Jr., Demus McDonald, Roger Yankton, David Longie, Sam Merrick, Joel Redfox, Curtis Ross, Catherine Howard, Mary Trottier, Darlene Wadsworth, Edna McCaslin, Pauline Greywater, Libby Littleghost, Helena Littleghost, Debbie Little, Violet Smith, Cora Iceman, Elaine Robertson, Juanita Vargus, Patty Christianson, Winfield Chaske Jr., Staff of the Lakota Good Samaritan Center, Duane Jackson and all other council members and all other friends and relatives. If we forgot to name someone it was not intentional. Solomon loved you all.