Graveside services for Daniel Lessert, 60, of Rapid City will be at 11 AM, MT, Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Dupris Family Cemetery. Daniel passed away Monday April 3, 2017 at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City. Kesling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daniel Gene Lessert, He Haka Luta – Red Elk, passed away peacefully April 3, 2017 at the Hospice House in Rapid City. Daniel was born July 4, 1956 to Marjorie E. DuPris and Cyril Lessert at the Old Agency.

Daniel attended school at St. Joseph Indian School in Chamberlain, SD in his early years, later attending C-EB up until his Junior year. During Daniel's Junior year he had an accident that changed his life. He suffered memory loss and had to learn everything all over again. Despite the setbacks he managed to acquire his GED in 1978 and was proud of his accomplishment.

Daniel worked hard in his younger years by doing construction; he also drove machinery, worked concrete, did roofing, and tying steel just to name a few. Kind of a Jack of all trades, master of none. With all his acquired skills he was able to travel and work around the country, as the free spirit that he was.

Daniel traveled from California to Virginia Beach and back, without his own vehicle, most times riding his thumb, and stopping in as many places in between that he could. The only places he didn't see was the Northeastern part of the country and Texas. During his travels he met Lynn Swafford and they married in 2003. They then moved to Coos Bay, Oregon by way of Arizona and New Mexico. Lynn passed away in 2011 and Daniel came back home to Rapid City for a short while. He was not content in Rapid City and longed for his free spirit lifestyle. He continued to travel back and forth but loved the coast in Coos Bay. Coos Bay is where he had a gang of Dan's and others that he called close friends, and where he remained until his illness brought him back to his sister Marlene.

Daniel is survived by his seven sisters and only brother: Marlene Ducheneaux, Rapid City; Sharon (Chuck) LeCompte, Ridgeview; Elaine (Bronco) LeBeau, Swiftbird; Alberta (Mike) Richards, Wagner; Helen Arpan, Mobridge; DeAnne Dolphus, Aberdeen; Junior (Jennine) Dolphus, Aberdeen. Uncle's Walter Carlin and Wilbur Gabe, Also numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren, family and friends.

Daniel was proceeded in death by his father Cyril Lessert, mother Marge Dolphus, wife Lynn Lessert, brother-in-law Claire Ducheneaux, brother Vaughn Dolphus, and granddaughter Krislyn Ducheneaux.