Stephen “Stevie” Gray Hawk Sr., 90, died June 1, 2021, at the Poplar Hospital. He was born on July 26, 1930, to Benjamin Gray Hawk Sr. and Josephine Kidder. He was born in Wolf Point, but was raised in Poplar. Throughout his years, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Quite a story most of us would hear if you knew him. After his service for the U.S., he made his way back to Poplar where he met Edna Snell, whom he married on June 20, 1955, and started a family. They added several children to their union: Steven Jr., Josie, Maude, Kenneth, Patty and Barbara. He was well known for his career in law enforcement. Starting out in the early ‘70s, he was a tribal police officer for a number of years. He left this for a job with the Fort Peck Tribes, but that just didn’t satisfy his cravings for serving the community. He returned starting out as a juvenile officer in the ‘80s, eventually becoming lead juvenile officer, becoming director of this job. In 1991, William “Bill” Beck needed help in starting the Poplar Police Department. He called on Stephen to help. He accepted and was appointed as police chief of the department. After months of hard work, he formed the department into a 24-hour-a-day, several-man force. During this time, he was also active in achieving for the youth. He created “We Care For Kids” during this time and was also known as “Grandpa” throughout the reservation. He was also a strong supporter of veterans and their affairs. He also provided support for the local parades by announcing the floats and even emceed during Wild West Days and pow-wows. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on electronics and even started a small business for local repair. He enjoyed spending time on yard work, volunteering or helping out wherever he was needed. He was always a kind, caring individual who always had a story to tell, a hand to lend and a joke to make you laugh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; children, Josie, Barbara, Kenneth and Maude; granddaughter, Miranda Martinez; great-granddaughter, Felony Swan; and brother, Benji Gray Hawk Sr. He is survived by his children, Steven Gray Hawk, Patricia Martinez; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; and sister, Ida Cantrell. Funeral services were held Monday, June 7, at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar. Burial with military honors was in the Poplar City Cemetery.

Kathleen Sansaver, 85, passed Nov. 21, 2020. A prayer service is scheduled at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Friday, June 18, at 5 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Saturday, June 19, at 11 a.m. (Paid Obituary)

Melvin Harry “Mel” Torgerson, 91, of Beulah, N.D., formerly of Bainville and Sidney, died May 21, 2021. He was residing at the Knife River Care Center in Beulah at the time of his death. He was born on March 3, 1930, in Williston, N.D., the son of Sophie and Harry Torgerson. He grew up in Bainville, but did some traveling with his dad’s construction company, attending his freshman year of high school in Oklahoma. He graduated from Bainville High School in 1948. He met Margaret Halvorson and they were wed on Nov. 10, 1949. Their union was blessed with five children. They made their life in Bainville with Melvin managing the grain elevator and Margaret keeping things running smoothly at home. He, along with a group of investors, eventually purchased the elevator and he continued to run it until he retired. With an almost empty nest, they purchased the Tastee Freeze in Culbertson and renamed it M& M’s Place. They built and ran this business, a business known for their smiling faces, hometown feel, exceptional service and locally famous broasted chicken until they retired in 2004 and moved to Sidney. This is where they made their home until Margaret’s death in 2006. He continued to reside in Sidney until he moved to Beulah, N.D., in 2014. Family, faith, friends, sports, puzzles and cards were a few of the things that fulfilled his life. Whether it was playing football in his younger years with his cardboard and leather helmet, reffing basketball, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events or watching his beloved Vikings on TV, sports were one of his favorite ways to spend his time. Anyone that knew him knew he loved to do puzzles. He was proud to have a gallery showing at the museum and an article in the newspaper showcasing the talent of “The Puzzler” in 2008. Pinochle and cribbage have been pastimes his whole life. However, it wasn’t always about competition with him, some of the best memories of playing cards with him were the witty comments and colorful stories mixed into the card game. If he wasn’t at home, you could find him playing cards at the senior center or socializing with coffee and donuts. The family values that Margaret and Melvin instilled on their children and grandchildren is unmatched. Torgerson family get-togethers are always a loud, happy crowd. Faith was his foundation. He was a very active Catholic in every community he lived: Bainville, Sidney and Beulah. He is survived by his children, Billie Lou Giese, Howard Torgerson, Brent Torgerson, Brian Torgerson and Doug Torgerson; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Mass of the Christian Burial is Friday, June 4, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Bainville with Fr. Anietie “Akama” Ukanide presiding. Interment will be in the Bainville Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour before services at the church. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the funeral home.

Harold Richard Dyck, 84, of Wolf Point died Monday May 24, 2021, at the Riverstone Health Hospice Home in Billings. He was born June 18, 1936, in Wolf Point, the son of Herbert and Maria Dyck. He married Lois Neufeld Dyck on June 17, 1958, in Larslan. They had four children. He obtained his pilot license at 24 years old, bought a couple of planes and enjoyed flying his family around the state. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when he obtained his real estate license and opened up Dyck’s Real Estate. He spent many hours working in his shop, perfecting his craftsmanship on various wood projects, including scroll sawing, bowl cutting, wood lathing, wood burning and hand carving. He became very skilled in many different trades throughout his lifetime. He was always willing to lend a tool, his time and a helping hand to anyone in need. He was the definition of a modern day renaissance man. He is survived by his wife, Lois Neufeld Dyck; four children, Richard Dyck of Lewistown, Sandra Solheim of Wolf Point, Robin Dyck of Lacrosse, Wis., and Harold “Butch” L. Dyck of Lacrosse, Wis.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Leslie Dyck of Farmington, Mo., and James Dyck of Florida; one sister, Mavis Peterson of Las Vegas, Nev. He was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Dyck; sister, Lena Hoch; grandchildren, Bryan Dyck, Tiffany Solheim and Paige Dyck; and great-grandchild, Kyzler Azure. Funeral services were held Friday, May 28, at the Gospel Fellowship Church with Pastor Mike Andrews officiating. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Kevin Dean First Jr., 27, of Poplar died Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Poplar. He was born in Yankton, S.D., March 18, 1994, to Patricia Kay Emery-First and Kevin First Sr. He attended High School in Poplar, where he graduated as well. He was raised by his grandparents. He always had a smile for everyone and anyone. He was very friendly, fun-loving and kind hearted. His laugh was infectious and never let anyone be sad around him. No matter what was happening, he always found a reason to smile. He enjoyed listening to music, ranging from country to metal and more. He also loved socializing and made many friends. He was definitely a friendly and kind person. He loved taking cruises and spending time with people. He started his working career at Albertsons. He was a certified welder and volunteered at the mission in Poplar. He then worked with Sidney Sugars, followed by fencing. He took up farming where he branded cattle and moved hay bales. He worked as a laborer at CSP, cutting lawns, yard work, etc. and also dabbled in carpentry. He is survived by his grandparents, Jerome and Florence First; father, Kevin First Sr.; brothers,: Justin, Joshua and Jacob; sister, Grace Azure; adopted brothers, Jeremiah, Francis, Joseph and Weylin. A wake was held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow the following day at St. Francis Cemetery in St. Francis, S.D. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Shanna Lynn Stelsie Booth, 32, died April 20, 2021, in Billings. Shanna was born on May 8, 1988, in Williston, N.D., to Darlene and Duane Booth. She was raised in Culbertson, Mont., where she attended school from third grade to high school graduation in 2007. During this time, she spent many weekends and summers on her grandparents’ family farm where her love for the outdoors grew. After graduation, Shanna moved to Plentywood, Mont., creating a home for herself and making many friends some who became more like family. Shanna gave birth to a son, Kaysen Robert Booth, on Sept. 15, 2015. Shanna had a bright energy around her and such a strong love for life. She changed so many lives by just being herself and getting to know others. More than anything, she loved her five-year-old son, Kaysen. She is survived by her mother, Darlene; brother, Ryan; sister, Chelsea; and her son, Kaysen. A celebration of Shanna’s life will be held on June 12 at 2 p.m. at Centennial Park in Culbertson.

Darrell “Curley” Youpee, Sung’ Gleska Tatanka Nunpa: Spotted Horse Two Buffalo from Poplar Creek, 70, of Poplar died Saturday, May 22, 2021. He grew up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in northeast Montana. His ancestors came to Montana as a result of the Dakota uprising in Minnesota and also the unfulfilled treaty obligations, which brought on starvation of the people on the reservations of Cheyenne River and Standing Rock. His approach to reducing racial hatred and social injustice against his people has earned him a seat in human rights circles and won him national recognition among U.S. government organization such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Bureau of Land Management, and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. As cultural resources department director of the Fort Peck Tribes, he coordinated cross-cultural training and presented historical and cultural backgrounds of the Assiniboine and Sioux people. Concerned with the loss of tribal culture, he started collecting oral history in 1982 to assemble the Tribes’ principal audio/visual collection. He lectured across the country using the history, traditional beliefs and storytelling of the Assiniboine and Sioux people. He shared legend and creation stories of his people. He was a talented artist who brought together carved symbolic horses and dramatic imagery in a traditional abstract manner, achieving an illusory, mysterious effect that connects the viewer’s imagination. In addition to being collected by museums, his horse carvings are displayed throughout the northern plains’ region at popular galleries and gift shops. He enjoyed traveling, reading, writing, socializing, lecturing, arts and crafts and, most of all, passing on the tribe’s history, culture, traditions, and language. He always had time to visit with friends or anyone who wanted to talk. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cathy Youpee Hurd; brothers, Louis Youpee Jr. and Charles “Red” Youpee; and granddaughter, Winona Youpee. He is survived by his sisters, Jewel Hanna and Frances Nation; brother, Eugene “Bubby” Youpee; children, Willard White of Washington, Michael and Bernice Youpee Jordan of North Carolina, Waylon Youpee, Chris Warclub of Montana, Jackson Chaser of Colorado, Brian Eder, Malachi Stops, Dylan Youpee and Dyan Youpee, all of Poplar; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and adopted son, Fernando Truillo. His funeral service was held Saturday, May 29, at the Curley Youpee residence. Interment was at the Poplar Cemetery.