Valentino William White Sr.

Valentino William White Sr.,

Wá pá há Ska (White War Bonnet - he carried his dad’s name)

February 14, 1960 - January 12, 2021

Valentino William White Sr, “Tino”, 60 years old, was born on February 14, 1960 to Evangeline and Elmer White Sr. in Devils Lake, ND. He started his journey back to the Star Nation January 12, 2021 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Tino attended his elementary school years in Ft. Totten and went to high school at Crow Creek High School in Stephan, SD. He was a saddle bronc rider through his high school years and traveled to rodeos with his adopted brother, Rick Afraid of Hawk. Tino graduated high school in 1978 then continued his education at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, pursuing a degree in journalism. He worked at The Head of the Herd Newspaper then went onto be the editor of MHA Times, both in New Town, ND. Tino then moved home and started the Dakotah News for the Spirit Lake Nation.

Tino enjoyed traveling to pow-wows with his dad, mom, siblings, and eventually children, nieces and nephews. He was a fancy dancer, singer, and in his later years a traditional dancer. Once he became a grandpa he, like his dad, traveled with his children and grandchildren to pow-wows. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren teaching them how to fish, hunt, work on beadwork and outfits, and most importantly traditional values. He never forgot the traditional way of life and the power of prayers. Tino was a part of Roy Stones traditional circle in SD. Tino danced the Sundance and by his side helping him was John Chaske, Mogan Whitetail, and those that have already made their journey to the Star Nation, such as Tim Longie, Buddy Alberts, Tyrel Alberts, and Ambrose Little Ghost.

He followed in his father’s footsteps in many ways such as serving as the Chairman for Spirit Lake Nation and spent time with his nephews fishing, hunting, working on cars, as well as teaching them carpentry. He loved to share stories and visit with anyone and everyone. He had an amazing sense of humor and loved to see everyone smiling. He was also known for giving nicknames. He was a man of many talents making his family proud. Tino will be missed by all who have been blessed to know him.

Tino is survived by his Mother, Evangeline White; Grandma Maggie Moxness; Aunties Florestine (Spune) Dunn, Genevive Liberty, Helena Littleghost and Libby Littleghost; Uncle, Jim (Bonnie) Clairmont (Minnesota); Sisters Patricia Denice, Marsha, Melissa (Bentley), Lorraine, Bonnie (John), Janet, Jeanie Rolland; Sister-in-law Monica Rosal; Children Warshield - Delmar, Junior, Evana and their mother Gerri ReNae, Jody, Charlie, John, and Jennie (husband) Thoreson; Grandchildren Spirit (Thea), Dakotah, Dreamer (Danica), Bear, Wamdi, Beautifull, Delmar Jr., Stetson, Wasu’, Blessing Rain, Waniya’ Snow, Valentino III, Weston, Jorin, ReNaya, Anaya, Aiden, Lola, Emma, Hannah (named by Tino), Jody Jr., Lestina, Yvette, Vanessa, Taryn, Danica, Angel, Daylon Jr., Kaylynn, Terri, Evan, and Abbie; and Great Grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews too numerous to name.

He is preceded in death his dad Elmer White Sr.; Brothers Elmer White Jr., Patrick Dean, Zeke and Kelly Brown; Grandparents Patrick White, Mae(Gourd) Whiteman, Napoleon Longie, Jeanette (Hunt) Good House; Grandson Misun; Great Granddaughter Kyree; Nieces Lolita and Maria White; Nephews Patrick Dean, Dion and Jordan Iceman; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Papa Kenny Merrick Sr.; Hunka brothers Tommy Charging Eagle, Todd Redbear, Billy Fox, and Duane McDonald; and Hunka nephew Wanbli Charging Eagle.

We are sorry if we forgot to name anyone, it was not intentional.

Funeral will take place on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Gilbertson’s Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND from 9 am -11 am for immediate family. After the family has spent time with our son, brother, dad, grandpa, and uncle, the rest of the relatives and friends will be allowed a few minutes with him.

Graveside services with Father Schuster will be held at St. Michael Cemetery following the viewing. The meal will be served in “to-go” trays following the burial.

Please follow all Covid precautions, masks are required. Out of respect and the safety for our Matriarchs, Evangeline, Helena, Libby, and Florestine, our family and yourselves; please practice social distancing at all times.

Escort: Hunka Son Edmund Youpee

Pallbearers: Delmar, Jody, Charlie, John, Valentino Jr., Hunka Brothers - Dr. Leander McDonald, Victor Jackson and Wesley Big Track.

Honorary Pallbearers: Charging Eagle Family (Eagle Butte, SD), Spotted Bird Family (Ft. Peck, Montana), Step Family (Fort Thompson, SD), Louie Boyd (Minnesota), Boye Ladd (Wisconsin), Wilson Totus (Washington), Burton (Barb) Jackson, Keith Longie, Hunka Brother Duane Jackson, Hunka Brother Sam Merrick Sr., Lonna Jackson-Street, John and ReNa Lohnes family, Whiteshield families, Tracey “Buzz” Chase, Diane Jackson, Jackie Hunt, Neil Burr, Wayne Fox, Marty and Kylee Davis Family, Frank Bullhead, Sisters, and Family; John and Ramona Chaske, Ona Little Ghost, Sheila Little Ghost and Todd Belgarde, Stacy Makes Good, Terry Dunn, Duane Smith, his Sundance family, Grey Dog, Dakota Travels, Eagle Tail, Lake Region, family drum, his fancy dance brothers and many friends throughout Indian country.

Drum group: Lake Region singers and anyone that want