Gerald Bush, Sr. was born on March 2, 1939, in Porcupine to Eugene and Hannah (Yankton) Bush. Gerald made his journey to the Spirit World on January 27, 2022, at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City.
He grew up in Porcupine, and attended grade school at the Porcupine Day school. He graduated high school in 1959 from Holy Rosary Mission in Pine Ridge, where he participated in track, football and basketball. After high school, Gerald served his country by enlisting in the Navy and became an electrician’s mate petty officer, 3rd class, during his four years and received an honorable discharge.
Gerald returned to South Dakota and worked in Wanblee at Crazy Horse school and in Pine Ridge throughout the 1980s. Then, he worked for the Bureau of Indian affairs ultimately retiring in 1995. He also served on the Council of Elders for Oglala Lakota College until his passing.
On September 30, 1967, Gerald married Sandra Hawk Wing. To this union, ten children were born: Donna, Terrolyn, Michelle, Stephanie, Iris, Kristal, Gerald, Jr., Sharyl, Bradley and Luke. Gerald enjoyed many activities with his family and was a long-time rancher working the family ranch and he also enjoyed watching rodeos and loved to fish and visit with friends and family.
During Gerald’s lifetime, he also served as an Eagle Nest District representative, and was a District Chairman. Gerald was also an active member of the Legion Post 269 as a finance officer. In July of 2003, Gerald was ordained a permanent deacon through the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, and he served the community until 2013. In June of 2008, Gerald received his Bachelors of Science degree in Lakota Studies from the Oglala Lakota College, where he also served as an instructor in Lakota Studies.
Gerald is survived by his children, Donna Janis-Whalen, Pine Ridge, SD; Terrolyn Teague of McAlester, OK; Michelle Long Soldier of Long Valley SD; Stephanie Bush of Albuquerque NM; Iris Bush of Wanblee, SD; Kristal Winters of Wanblee, SD; Sharyl Bush and Gerald Bush, Jr., both of Albuquerque NM; and Luke and Bradley Bush; both of Long Valley SD; 20 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Bush; parents Eugene and Hannah (Yankton) Bush; siblings, Patrick Bush, Darlene Irick, Dennis Bush, Gene Bush, Anthony Bush, and Janice Bush; and grandchildren, Serenity Bogue and Jude Bush.
Pallbearers will be Thomas Vedilago, Kai Bush, Gerald Bush III, Conary Bush, Tristan Winters, Austin Winters, Julian High Horse, Christopher Long Soldier, Sr., Kelly Winters, and David Bush.
Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Young, Sr. and family, Bobby Amiotte and family, Darren Teague, Patrick Teague, Michael Teague, Harrold “Bud” Weller, Royal Bettelyoun, Adonnis Winters, Ian Teague, Ezra Teague, Eric Blue Bird, Christopher Long Soldier, Sr., Adela Bettelyoun, Ryder Knode, Selena Ashley, Doris Winters, Amber Vedilago, Sandria Long Soldier, Jycole Bush, Shaelynn Winters, Tawney Bush, Savannah Yellow Hawk, Thomlynne Yellow Hawk, and all friends and relatives.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 12:30 PM, Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the TandT Center in Wanblee, SD. Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Monday, February 7, 2022, at the TandT Center in Wanblee, SD. Officiating: Fr. Ron Seminara, SJ. and Fr. Peter Klink, SJ. Burial Services: 1:30 PM, Monday, February 7, 2022, at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD
