Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Fort Thompson Community Center in Fort Thompson, SD with burial in the Conkicaska Presbyterian Cemetery at Fort Thompson, SD.  Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., Friday at the Fort Thompson Community Center in Fort Thompson, SD.

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In loving memory of Christopher Mark Mann

Christopher Mark Mann was born on December 25, 1978 (Christmas day) in Los Angeles, CA to Dawna H. Gravatt. His mother and grandparents (Delbert & Menia Mann) were the village that raised him. Chris attended school in Ft. Thompson, Pierre, Rapid City, and Harrold High School.

In his early years, Chris earned the nick name "Lucky" due to the many accidents that he endured over the years. From getting hit by a car while he was riding a bike when he was 13, to being accidentally shot in the heart with a pellet gun at the age of 14. Chris lost his left arm to an auger while working on a farm when he was 15. Chris's friends and acquaintances began calling him the One-armed Bandit or just Bandit. At the age of 17, Chris was shot in the abdomen by a friend who was fiddling with a shotgun. Although he was faced with several life changing obstacles, he continued to live his life with an abundance of grace and forgiveness. Chris never held a grudge and always had a smile for his family and friends.

On February 3, 1997, Chris was blessed with his first-born son, Hunter Darrell. During this time, Chris continued his work on the farm. He enjoyed farming and ranching, riding horse, working/feeding cattle, driving tractor, grain trucks, and he specialized in running a grain cart. Often working early mornings and late nights during harvest season. Later, Chris enjoyed doing lawn care in the summer and snow removal in the wintertime.

Chris lived his life to the fullest and lived in numerous locations throughout South Dakota while also making friends everywhere he went. Chris made his home primarily in the Pierre and Fort Thompson, SD areas.

In 2003, Chris turned his friendship with Melibu Urban into a relationship and they wed in 2005. During this union, Chris and Melibu were gifted Chris's second son, Nolan Dion. Chris and Melibu divorced in November of 2014. Chris tried his hand at marriage again when he met Michelle Schilling but divorced shortly after a year and a half. Chris was stubborn and was not a quitter. He took a shot at love again, when he met Mindy Allum and spent his remaining days with her.

When Chris entered the Spirit World, he left behind his children: Hunter (Kaura) Van Ash and Nolan LaRoche; his grandchildren: Colton, Adeline, Hunter Jr., Sawyer, & Violet; his significant other: Mindy Allum; and his fur-children: Chief & Paisley.

Chris passed away on April 17, 2025 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  Grateful to have shared in his life are his mother: Dawna Gravatt; his stepdad: Bernard Big Eagle; his siblings: Zaccheaus (Megan) Gravatt; Jamie Big Eagle; Airryn (Dave) Olson; Kevin (Samantha) Big Eagle; and Schuyler Roberts. His nephews: Connor Gravatt, Bailey Big Eagle, Channing Big Eagle, & Townes Big Eagle; and his nieces: Calli Gravatt & Anjalei Big Eagle. Along with several Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

Chris was preceded in death by his Grandparents: Wilhemenia Mann; Delbert Mann (Dad); & William Gravatt. His Aunt: Sharon Zeller; and his cousins: Ricky Scott, Sr & Chaske Warner.

"Don't Waste Time or Time Will Waste You" – Tattoo on Chris's Head