Funeral services for 69-year old Levi Chips are Monday, May 2, 2022 at 10:00 at the T&T Center in Wanblee, SD, with Lay Ministers Johnny Wilson and Rita Brown officiating and traditional Lakota services by Ernest Red Elk and Calvin Red Elk
Burial follows at 1:30 at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.
A one-night wake service starts at 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 1, at 2:00 at the T&T Center in Wanblee with evening services at 7:00 and Military Roll Call at 8:00.
Levi Elmer Chips “Wanbli Wicasa” was born on November 12, 1952 in Pine Ridge, SD to Arthur Adam Chips and Julia Fern (Milk) Wilcox. Levi made his journey to the Spirit World on April 24, 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs, SD.
Levi grew up in Wanblee, SD, 5 miles west of town in Sand Creek. He was the oldest of 14 siblings; Floyd, Lloyd, Harlan, Troy, Michelle, Cora, Bonnie, Rosalie Deese, Denal & Florine Chips and extended siblings, Gloria, Virgil, Maxine, and Bernadine.
Levi grew up in Sand Creek with the Red Elk Tiyospaye, Blue Legs Tiyospaye, Marshalls Tiyospaye, Ashley Tiyospaye, Cutt Tiyospaye, Poor Bear Tiyospaye, Louis Quiver & Timothy Tiger – riding horses, picking berries, swimming in the dams, and having a good time growing up, always joking.
He went to school at the Wanblee Day School and later graduated from Pine Ridge High School. After graduation, he entered the military and was in the Army where he was later honorably discharged.
Levi is survived by his mother, Julia Fern (Milk) Wilcox of Wanblee, SD; son, Gabriel Levi Chips of Minnesota; brother, Denal Chips – USMC Desert Storm Veteran of Eagle Butte, SD; and a niece who he loves dearly, Leah Joeckel & family.
Levi was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth Agnes Chips and Phyllis Wilcox; brothers, Leroy, Jason, and Warren Wilcox; father, Arthur Adam Chips – USMC Korean War Veteran; and grandparents, Agnes & Elmer Red Elk.
Pallbearers will be Aldo Pretends Eagle, Virgil Quick Bear, Cornell Reddest, Denal Chips, Calvin Red Elk, Adam Joeckel, and Howard Red Elk.
Honorary Pallbearers will be All Friends, Relatives, and Military Friends.
Honorary Mentions:
Thank You: Monument Healthcare Team; Social Worker Linda Davis, Dr. Brockholt, PCP, Palliative Care Team Amber, Hospice Care, Manager Barb, Bennett County Nursing Home Team, Hot Springs VA Hospice Team, and Social Worker Amanda. For quality, professional, and comfort provided to Levi while in their care.
Special Thank You: Abourezk Law, Attorney Robin Zephier, Oglala Sioux Tribal Court, Fall River County Court, and Pennington County Courts.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD