Graveside services for 63-year old Emerson Black Elk are Monday, Dec 21, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Wounded Knee, SD, with Cyrus Black Elk officiating and traditional Lakota services by David Swallow Jr
Visitation precedes the services from noon to 1:30 PM, Monday at the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD.
Emerson Lloyd Elk, Jr. was born on February 25, 1957 in Pine Ridge, SD to Emerson Elk, Sr. and Gertrude Thunder Horse. Emerson made his journey to the Spirit World on December 16, 2020 at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, WY.
Emerson worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Indian Action Team, security officer, ambulance driver, and Patrol Sergeant for the O.S.T. D.P.S.; and prior to his passing he was an entrepreneur and Naca of Oceti Sakowin Tokahe. Emerson believed strongly in the treaties and was truly knowledgeable with the treaties. He fought for the land and water rights for the Lakota Oyate and believed in the traditional way of life as well as a very fluent Lakota speaker.
Emerson is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jerilyn (Eagle Bull) Elk; children, Daverine Elk of Wounded Knee, SD, Lavetta Elk of Wounded Knee, SD, Emmaline Elk of Chandler, AZ, Lloyd Elk of Wounded Knee, SD, Jeremy Elk of Porcupine, SD, Emerald Elk of Wounded Knee, SD, and Jeffery Elk of Wounded Knee, SD; sisters, Kathy Elk of Wounded Knee, SD, Noretta High Hawk of Wounded Knee, SD, Carol Weston of Porcupine, SD, and Fannette Elk of Huron, SD; uncle Robert Thunder Horse, Sr.; hunka brothers, David Swallow, Jr. and Anthony Wounded Head, Sr.; and 18 grandchildren.
Emerson was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson Elk, Sr. and Gertrude Thunder Horse; brothers, Nathan Elk, Sr. and Jerry Elk; paternal grandparents, Arthur Elk and Annie Chief Eagle; maternal grandparents, Alex Paul Thunder Horse and Mary Bad Bear; grandson, Bahdi Elk; aunts, Rosalyn Little Bear, Irene Black Elk, and Florene Red Ear Horse; and uncles, Paul Thunder Horse, Jr., Timothy Thunder Horse, Sr., and Hoover Running Eagle.
Pallbearers will be Jorge Romero, Thomas White Eyes, Joseph Shopbell, Jarret Jealous, Ohitika Elk, Ethan Mills, Delane Iron Boy, and Tad High Hawk.
Honorary pallbearers: Ivan Looking Horse, Everette Iron Eyes, Mike He Crow, Vincent Black Feather, Richard Amerine, Charlie King, Fred Sitting Up, Jr., Harris Red Ear Horse, Gaylord Red Ear Horse, Irma Red Ear Horse, Bernadine Red Ear Horse, Bernadette Red Ear Horse, John Carroll, and All Treasured Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD