Visalia, California – It is with great sadness that we announce that Larry Manuel Gonzalez (Wambli Wamni Omni Ocuwa), formerly of Rapid City, SD, peacefully crossed over into the spirit world on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the age of 67. He was born February 9, 1957 to Gabriel Delgado Gonzalez and Geneva Eloise Wilcox-Gonzalez at Kadoka Hospital, in Kadoka, South Dakota.
Larry came from a rich cultural background, of Lakota, Mexican and Scottish descent. He was a descendent of Chief Lip’s Band, who settled on the northeast portion of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His maternal, full-blooded Lakota grandmother and his mother were both fluent Lakota speakers. He was a respected Lakota Elder and a traditional dancer. He performed Native American dancing at the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills in the 1990s, and danced in every powwow he could attend. He was also very proud of his Mexican heritage on his father’s side of the family. He liked to listen and dance to Latin music, and loved to eat Mexican food.
He spent his early childhood at Kadoka, SD. His parents moved from Kadoka to Box Elder, SD., in 1963, and to Rapid City in 1967. He attended Elementary School at Ellsworth Air Force Base, both South and North Junior High of Rapid City, SD, and Central High school in Rapid City, SD.
In 1975 at the tender age of 18, he earned his GED, married his high school sweetheart, Penny Mullen, joined the US Navy, and graduated from boot camp at San Diego, CA. He was stationed at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Jacksonville FL., where he served his tours of duty on the USS Forrestal Naval Air Craft Carrier. He guarded and loaded bombs on jet aircraft before they left on their missions. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1983. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Rapid City during a brief separation from his wife. In 1988, they reconciled and he moved to Elgin, Illinois. They separated again in 1992. Shortly thereafter, Larry became ill with strep throat, which entered his bloodstream and traveled to his heart, subsequently causing heart failure, which lead to two massive strokes. After a lengthy hospitalization, he moved back to Rapid City to undergo intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. He had to learn to talk and walk again. Larry and his wife Penny divorced in 1993.
In 1994 shortly after enrolling in classes at Oglala Lakota college, Larry met the love of his life and beloved wife of 25 years, Cynthia Deon. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1998, and he and Cynthia married in 1999. He later attended one year of law school at the University of North Dakota School of Law at Grand Forks, ND from 1999- 2000.
Larry touched many lives during his time on earth and was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was known most for his radiant smile, his twinkling eyes, and his love for his family, especially his grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his wife Cynthia Deon Gonzalez of Visalia, CA; Daughter and granddaughter of Illinois; Son Cody Haugen (Cameo) and grandson Witten of Rapid city, SD; Daughter Joanna King (Zachary) of Chicago, IL; Son Julian Braun (Huyla) of Gardena, CA; Son Josh Braun (Inez) and grandsons Xsavior, Jordan, Noel, and Ezra of Porterville, CA; Son Salvador Braun and grandsons London and Oliver of Porterville, CA; Daughter Michelle West (Dave), grandsons Santos and Duane, and granddaughter Selena of Eagle Butte, SD; Daughter Cynthia Braun, granddaughter Isabella and grandson John Henry of Chicago, IL; Daughter Stephany Red Leaf (Mark) and granddaughters Ruby, Vivian, and Alayah of Visalia, CA; grandchildren Isaiah Montgomery, Jonna Montgomery, and Amor Montgomery of Rapid City, SD; Brother Mario Gonzalez of Black Hawk, SD; Brother Leonard Gonzalez (Latoya) of Oglala, SD; Brother John Gonzalez of Longmont, CO; Sister Margarette Rasch of Rapid City, SD; Sister Olivia Gonzalez-Downs of Denver, CO; Sister Debra Wilford (Damon) of Hermosa, SD; Sister Brenda McGlynn (Clarence) of Rapid City, SD; sister Tisavera Baires (Jose) of Albuquerque, NM; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gabriel and Geneva Gonzalez; grandson Samuel Red Leaf; nephews Charles Gonzalez, Michael Rasch, and Tucker Randall; and nieces Tammy Rasch and Gabriella Gonzalez.
Condolences can be sent to Sioux Funeral Home.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 3:00 PM, Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Labor Union Hall in Rapid City, SD
Funeral Services: 11:30 AM, Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Labor Union Hall in Rapid City, SD.
Officiating: Reverend Olivia Gonzalez-Downs
Traditional Lakota Services: Reverend Jonathan Old Horse
Military Honor Guard: American Legion Post 22 Honor/Color Guard
Burial Services: 2:30 PM, Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD