Funeral services for Gayle E. Ziegler, 87, of Lower Brule, SD will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD with burial in the Messiah Episcopal Cemetery at Iron Nation, SD.  Wake services will be 7:00p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Lower Brule, SD.

Gayle E. Langdeau (Wanbli Waste Wi (Good Eagle Woman) was born September 28, 1935 in Iron Nation, South Dakota to Harvey Langdeau and Aldeana (Thompkins) Langdeau.

Gayle grew up in Iron Nation, SD.

In 1953, Gayle married the love of her life, Alfred Y. Ziegler. From this Union, she had six children; Alfreda Gayle, Brenda Lee, Laureen Sue, Vicki Lynn, Sonny Young, and Kathy Jan. Later came Nikki Hope.

Gayle attended Stephan Indian School in her high school years where she excelled as a basketball player. Gayle obtained additional education at the Lower Brule Community College in her later years.

Gayle was very humble and never spoke of her accomplishments. She worked at numerous jobs throughout her life. She was a cook for the Lower Brule Schools, a Head Start teacher, Chief Tribal Judge Tribal Council Member for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Gayle also served as a Lower Brule School Board member for several terms.

In addition, Gayle was a certified Electrical Journeyman and assisted her late husband, Alfred Ziegler with contract jobs throughout South Dakota.

Gayle loved gardening, preparing foods, and cooking for her large family. Most notably, Gayle loved children. She welcomed all kids with opens arms and heart. She was a Foster Parent for States of New Mexico and South Dakota. She always wanted to provide the best she could for the children.

Gayle raised many adopted and foster children as well as her six biological children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Including adopting her niece, Jeanie Lee Langdeau and nephew, Harvey Lee Langdeau.

Gayle was a matriarch in her family and community of Lower Brule. Her door was always open to all who needed help. She always welcomed her visitors with food and drink.

Gayle loved God and was a faithful servant. She was an active officer of the historical Messiah Episcopal Church in Iron Nation, SD and we'll as staying active in traditional Lakota way of life.

Gayle passed on October 27, 2022 at the Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD leaving behind her sister, Marilyn Harmon; daughters: Alfreda (Dave) Beartrack-Algeo, Lori, Vicki, Kathy, Nikki and Jeanie; son, Sonny (Claudia) Ziegler; twenty-one-grandchildren, sixty great grandchildren, and thirteen-great-great grandchildren.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents; Harvey and Aldena Langdeau; her siblings; Marlow Langdeau, Ellsworth Langdeau, Velda (Langdeau) Quilt, Juanita (Langdeau) Isburg, Phyllis (Langdeau) Crazy Bull, and Alice Langdeau; her late husband, Alfred Ziegler; her children; Brenda Estes; step-children: Frances L Wilson, Annette (Wilson) Big Eagle, Patrick Wilson, and her adopted son, Harvey Langdeau.