A traditional service was celebrated for Clarence Greatwalker on November 8, 2018 at Eagle Heart Cultural Center, Dunseith, ND.

The speakers at the wake and funeral ceremonies were done in a traditional manner by various guests. Music was provided by Red Thunder, Native Nation, Anishinabe, Eagle Nation and guest singers and drums.

Casket bearers were Jerry Akewanzie, Jeffery Counts, Timothy Counts, Jeffery DuBois, Ronald DuBois, Verlin DuBois, Max Defender and William "Tushie" Poitra.

Honorary casket bearers were Rene Joe St. Pierre, Albert Standing Chief, Jim Roseneau, Angela Kakenowash, Dennis DuBois, Jesse Greatwalker, Thomas Davis, Cody St. Claire and all family and friends including uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews.

Burial was at the "Waabii Asin" White Stone Indian Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.

Clarence John Greatwalker, 49, was born January 19, 1969 to Clarence 'Butch' and Karen (Norquay) Greatwalker in Belcourt, North Dakota. He is the grandson of Joe and Emma Greatwalker and James and Flora Norquay.

Born and raised mainly in the Turtle Mountain area with the exception of when his parents attended (VOC program) now called United Tribes, Bismarck and at UND, Grand Forks, ND as a child where he met some of his lifelong friends.

After his father passed in 1977 his mother moved her family back to the Turtle Mountain area where Clarence attended Belcourt and Dunseith schools. Clarence 'John G' wrestled for the Dunseith team and won many of his matches. He later attended Flandreau Indian Boarding School where many of his relatives attended before him including his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He joined the wrestling team there and broke state championship records, including that of his brother, Jesse Greatwalker, who held this record for sometime. Clarence would tease his brother Jesse about it. To this day his trophies are still displayed at Flandreau Indian School.

After leaving FIS, Clarence relocated to Macy, Nebraska with the mother of his three oldest children where they made their home for several years. Finding that they both needed separation, John G moved home with  his children and raised them near his grandmothers, Emma and Karen.

Clarence later became the father to four more children.

"John G" worked as a teacher aide and casino worker while he was in Nebraska when he came home he worked as a seasonal worker along with doing odd jobs to provide for his family. He also did volunteer work for St. Sylvan's Episcopal Church in Dunseith.

All through "John G"s life he was taught and raised with traditional beliefs and traditions. Love and laughter was his main gift to give all who came into his life, including children (to many to name) that gave him a respected title as "Pops". He loved each and every one of them dearly.

John G. had a zest for life. He enjoyed so much teasing and making people laugh at hard times.

His interests were beadwork, regalia making, dancing at pow wows, singing with his brothers, hunting, fishing, listening to music, spending time with his long-time companion, Kathy Hill-Houle. He liked going to the casino. He loved being with his family and friends, especially playing guitar, singing karaoke, camping out, traveling to pow wows, or just going house to house visiting and laughing with family and friends.

A period of his life was spent in foster care where he was adopted into brotherhood by the Burcham family of Dunseith.

Clarence was a very humble man in every way with his contagious humor and a passion to enjoy life to its fullest.

Clarence began his journey into the spirit world on November 2, 2018 at home with his family. He will be greatly missed.

Clarence is survived by his children - Charlena Greatwalker, Pierre, SD, Clarence Greatwalker III, SD, Joseph Greatwalker, Pender, NB, Eric Thiefoe, Dunseith, ND, Clarence James Greatwalker-Bauer, Bismarck, ND, and Tashina Greatwalker-Bauer, Bismarck, ND; three grandchildren; special companion, Cathy Hill-Houle, sisters - Kimberly (Gene) DeCoteau, Belcourt, ND; Shelley (Chris) Greatwalker, Fargo, ND; Crystal (Curtis) Meeches, Belcourt, ND; Darlene Greatwalker, Dunseith; brothers - Daniel Greatwalker, Terre Haute, IN; Corey St. Claire, Dunseith, ND; Aaron Greatwalker, Devils Lake, ND; uncles, aunts, cousins, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his great-great grandfather, Chief Red Thunder, his great grandfather, Chief Flying Eagle-Kakenowash, his grandparents - James & Flora (St. Claire) Norquay, Joseph & Emma (Flying Eagle-Kakenowash) Greatwalker, his godchild - Ivy Leigh Belgarde, many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau, ND. Friends may sign the online register books at www.nerofuneralhome.net

Special thanks to all who donated and came out to comfort the family at their time of need. A thousand miigwetches to our firekeepers, singers, cooks and help. You are all very awesome.

The Clarence Greatwalker family