Paul L. Battese, 77, of Lower Brule, South Dakota, returned to the loving arms of the Lord on February 12, 2025.

A celebration of Paul's life will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Community Center in Lower Brule, SD, followed by burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Lower Brule, SD.

Wake services will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 18 & 19, 2025, at the Community Center in Lower Brule, SD.

Anyone wishing to follow, the procession will leave at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday from the funeral home.

View Folder Here

Paul Lawrence Battese was born on May 21, 1947, to Julia Ann (DeWitt) and Paul Cornelius Battese in Holton, Kansas.

As the first grandchild Paul had a special bond with his grandmother Lema Rose and was very dear to her heart. His greatest joy was becoming a big brother after the birth of his dear sister Cheryl Marie.

After moving to South Dakota, Julia married Philip Issac Yellow Robe and this union blessed the family with the births of siblings Melanie Ann, twins Camille Rose and Cecille Elaine and Philip Anthony. Paul was celebrated as the older brother, embodying the responsibilities, provider and protector role with dedication throughout the years.

Often, Paul reflected affectionately on his time spent in Alaska with his Aunt Virginia and Uncle Martin "Red" Hanna, forming a close bond with his dearest cousins Burton, Brent, Robin, Kimberly "Kimmie" and Tyrone "Chill"; loving them just like his siblings.

Although family relationships were cherished, Paul's adventurous spirit led him to leave home and explore the country. He traveled throughout various states but always made trips home to South Dakota for visits.

The vibrant music, joyous festivities and diverse attractions drew Paul to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he resided with his best friend Jim.

At the tender age of 31, Paul had a life-altering accident but the outcome of the accident did not diminish his zest for life; he lived a life without regrets or physical constraints.

His heart called him home to his mother and upon his return to South Dakota, he enjoyed the years with his siblings and was proud to witness his nieces and nephews embark on their own life journeys.

He had an extraordinary gift for connecting with others, always eager to share inspiring stories of his life adventures, discuss memorable music concerts, current events or local sports teams. He beamed with pride for his special nephew Stephen-Paul and the Lower Brule High School football team during their remarkable 2004-2005 season.

Due to health issues, Paul became a resident at the Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain, SD where he remained until his passing, he developed lasting friendships with the staff and residents. Paul lived an extraordinary life that radiated his remarkable character, he loved unconditionally, eagerly offered help and lifted people's spirits with his witty humor.

After a courageous fight with a brief illness, Paul entered enteral rest on February 12, 2025; reuniting with his loved ones that went on before him.

The good Lord blessed us with a truly special person, he'll be deeply missed yet we find comfort in knowing he's reunited with his sisters.

Truly blessed to be part of his remarkable life is his devoted mother Julia (DeWitt) Yellow Robe, sister Cecille McBride and daughter Risa Collins & children, brother Philip A. Battese, Sr. and children (Blossom Old Bull, Joelle Battese, Anthony Bad Horse, Philip Battese, Jr., Jessica Wagner, Camille Battese, Twyla Battese, Vincent Battese & Bonnie Koster), Mel's children (Courtney Odegard & family, Zane Ziegler & children, Rory-Anne Ziegler & children, Kristin Ziegler, Jordan Ziegler & children, Jameson Ziegler & son, Zachery Ziegler & daughter, Jonathan Ziegler & children, Stephen-Paul Ziegler & children, Victor Ziegler, Jr. & children and Aimee Ziegler & son), brother in-law Victor Ziegler, Sr., cousins Burton Hanna, Robin (Hanna) Morehouse, Kimberly (Hanna) Morris, Tyrone Hanna, Denise (LeCompte) Estes, Paula (LeCompte) Boehrs, Jolene (LeCompte) Lawrence, Leo LeCompte, Aunt Sandra DeWitt, many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren too numerous to name.

Proceeding him in death are his grandparents Lema (Eagle Star) and John DeWitt, father Paul C. Battese, beloved sisters Camille, Cheryl and Melanie, his Uncles Burton DeWitt, Charles DeWitt, Everett DeWitt, Howard DeWitt, Luther DeWitt, Vincent DeWitt, special Uncle Martin Hanna, Aunts Elaine (DeWitt) Estes, Hilda DeWitt, Marion (DeWitt) LeCompte, Virginia (DeWitt) Hanna, Sharon (DeWitt) Bingen, Cousins Brent Hanna, Desiree (LeCompte) Gray, Julia Faye Black Elk, Nieces Rayona Battese, Miranda Goodlow and grandsons Braven Roth and Keenan Roth plus other relatives too numerous to name.