Funeral services for 70-year old Joseph “Bucking Horse” Valandra Jr are Friday, Nov 10, 2023 at 11:00 at Brother Rene Hall in Oglala, SD, with Pastor Ken Trivette officiating and traditional Lakota services by Robert Cross.
Burial is at Our Lady of the Sioux Catholic Cemetery in Oglala.
A one-night wake service starts Thursday, Nov 9, at 4:00 at Brother Rene Hall with evening prayers at 7:00.
Online condolences may be left at siouxfuneralhome.com.
Joseph Francis Valandra Jr was born on June 5, 1953 in Pine Ridge, SD to Joseph Valandra Sr and Mary Rose Slow Bear. Joseph Jr made his journey to the Spirit World on October 29, 2023 at the Monument Health Home Plus Hospice in Rapid City, SD.
Joseph attended Oglala Community School, where he was an avid Thorpes fan. His favorite sports were basketball and bowling. Later, he worked at many different jobs off the reservation, sending money home to his wife Geraldine.
He maintained a comfortable home for his family. He and Geraldine were very compassionate and would keep people who had nowhere else to go. He will be greatly missed.
Joseph is survived by his son Martin Valandra of Box Elder, SD; stepsons Walter Little Moon of Denver, CO and Andrew Little Moon of Sioux City, IA; siblings Carmelita Doke of Des Moines, IA, and Beka and Sara Dilley, both of Ft. Dodge, IA; grandsons Michael Valandra and Jake Moore Valandra; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Joseph was preceded in death by his mother Mary Rose Slow Bear; father Joseph Valandra Sr; wife Geraldine Fast Horse-Valandra; brothers Wayne Valandra, Donald Hardeman, Troy Pawnee Leggins, Antoine, and Arline Valandra; stepsons Michael and Patrick Little Moon; stepdaughter Ann Marie Little Moon; and grandsons Joseph Valandra and Freedom Provencial.
Pallbearers will be Alan Fast Horse, Alex Bad Bear Jr, Rueben Little Moon, Patrick “Bubbs” Little Moon, Derek Returns, Louis Winter, CJ Returns, Alex Winters, Carl Red Nest, and Princess Little Moon.
Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Valandra, Jake Moore Valandra, Rodney White Bear Claws, Fast Horse Families, Bad Bear Families, Slow Bear Families, Valandra Families, Red Nest Families, Little Moon Families, Returns From Scout Families, Winters Families, Spotted Bear Families, Rattling Chase Families, Cross Families, and All Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD