Kirk Forrest Bartlett, Jr. was born on June 23, 1962 in Rosebud, SD. Bubba, the beloved son of Goldie White Buffalo Bartlett and Kirk Bartlett, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home on September 22, 2024, at the age of 62, following a courageous battle with Stage 4 Bladder Cancer.
Born as the second youngest of seven children, Bubba spent his childhood on the family farm, creating cherished memories with his three brothers and two sisters. He held a special bond with his mother and his little sisters, Lisa and Laileen, who were always by his side.
In the early 1980s, Bubba’s adventurous spirit led him to Texas, where he sought new opportunities and experiences. He furthered his education at the Kicking Horse Job Corps in Montana, acquiring valuable trades in Electrical, Plumbing, and Sheetrock. Equipped with these skills, Bubba returned home to contribute to his family by working on his mother’s house, a place filled with childhood memories.
Bubba’s career path included working for SWA in Rosebud, Sod’s Mechanical in Martin, and various jobs with Leroy Cook. He also had the privilege of working on the new IHS hospital alongside his brother Albert. Together, they installed ductwork in homes in Pine Ridge, fostering camaraderie with their co-workers. Kirk’s expertise also extended to sheet metal work in Texas and ductwork installations in homes on the Sisseton and Fort Thompson reservations in South Dakota.
Upon returning home, Kirk embraced fatherhood through adoption, welcoming his son, Kurt, into his life. Their bond was strong, with Kurt often accompanying his father to work.
Bubba is survived by his cherished son, Kurt, of White River, SD; his brothers, Tim Bartlett, Sr., of White River, SD and Randal & Debbie Bartlett of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters, Alisa Bartlett of White River, SD, Ernie & Cissy Bartlett Larson of Midland, SD, and Laileen White Buffalo of Spencer, Iowa; he also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kirk Sr., his mother, Goldie, and his siblings, Albert and Christopher.
Urn bearer will be Keith Bordeaux.
Honorary Pallbearers are Doug Gillen, Ed Krogman, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Community Services, Rosebud Ambulance Service, Avera Cancer Institute Helmsley Center Staff (Dr. Jamie Hillmer), Avera Wound Care Staff (Dr. Shelly Monnens), Avera St. Mary’s Hospital Staff, and all friends (past and present).
Bubba will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His adventurous spirit, unwavering strength, and dedication to his family will forever be remembered. May he rest in peace.
Visitation Services: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Alisa Barlett Residence in White River, SD.
Memorial Wake Services: Arrival at 2:30 PM, Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Swift Bear Community Hall in White River, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services: 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Swift Bear Community Hall in White River, SD followed by the Burial/Scattering of Ashes at the White Buffalo Family Homestead in White River, SD.
Officiating: To Be Announced
Traditional Lakota Services: Florentine Blue Thunder
Scattering and Burial Services: White Buffalo Family Homestead, White River, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD.