Funeral services for Duane D. Big Eagle, 71, of Fort Thompson, SD will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson.  Wake services will be Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson.

Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Duane Dale Big Eagle Sr., passed away peacefully on September 24, 2020 due to complications from Coronavirus.

Duane is a descendant of Wanbdi Tanka, leader of a band of Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux from Minnesota.  He was born to John and Leona Big Eagle in Pierre, SD on September 8, 1949.  He grew up in East Pierre and attended grade school in Pierre, SD.  He then opted to travel throughout his teen years before obtaining his GED and a certificate in Welding.  In August 1973, he married the love of his life, Diane, whom he remained devoted to until her passing in November, 2013. Together Duane and Diane raised 9 children, 3 grandchildren, and cared for numerous foster children while opening their doors to all who needed a home.

Duane had an extraordinary life.  He was an accomplished guitar player and singer and spent many years traveling to various towns as the lead singer in his country rock band. Around 1978, he won his first election as the Tribal Council for the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.  Duane served several terms at the CCST Tribal Chairman before opening and operating the family owned North Shore Bait Shop restaurant/bar.  The Bait Shop became a gathering place for many stories of past shenanigans, new escapades, and tons of laughs.

Duane was well-respected and made hundreds of friends over the years. Once you became friends with Duane, you had a friend for life.  He was held in high regard by many tribal leaders throughout Indian country as well as local community members and tourists from many states around the U.S. who came to Ft. Thompson camping, hunting, fishing, or were just passing through.   His absence leaves a huge void in his community and his family who loved him dearly.

Duane is survived by his brother Jerry "Dean", (Diana) Big Eagle, sister Marilyn, (Larry) Big Eagle, his children Marlys, Virginia, Eric, Sunny (Steven Martinez), Weston, Kristy, Micah and Duane Jr. "DJ" (Sarah), 32 grandchildren: Maria, Mina, Eric Jr. "EJ", Evelyn, Parker, River, Kori, Sapphire, Nicolette, Theron, Hunter, Jalyssa, Jerrod, Cory Jr., Dale, Justice, Riddick, Kingston, Liam,  Diana, Trudy, Darius, Jerome, Alyssa, Jubilee, Tate, Alaina, Erickson, Treyvon, Desmond, Elijah, Rainbow, 3 great grandchildren, Layton, Aliya and Carson and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to count.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Leona Big Eagle, brothers John "Terry" and Patrick "Pat" Big Eagle, sisters Rita and Colleen Big Eagle, his "Queen Bee"- his wife Diane, his sons Paul Ziegler and Cory Big Eagle, and his beloved grandson Brendyn Levi Big Eagle.