Funeral services for Elmer Traversie, 83, of Promise will be 10 AM, MT Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Eagle Butte. Burial is at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. All night wake will be Tuesday, at 7 PM at the church, family will meet at 4 mile at 5 PM MT. Elmer passed away May 20, 2012 in Eagle Butte.

Elmer "Trash" Moses Traversie, was born February 21, 1929 to Moses and Ellen (Veo) Traversie in White Horse, SD. Elmer was the youngest of seven children. He attended school at Wakpala, SD and the Old Cheyenne River Agency Boarding School. Elmer was raised in Promise, SD his entire life until he entered the spirit world at his home in Promise on May 20, 2012.

Elmer held various jobs until he enlisted in the US Army on November 23, 1948. Elmer was soon on his way to Ft. Carson, CO for basic training. While serving for his country, Elmer was with the "Artillery Branch in the Korean Conflict." In September of 1951, Elmer was honorably discharged receiving "The Korean Service War Medal" and "Three Bronze Campaign Stars." After the service he married Irene Two Hearts and were later divorced. In 1984 Elmer met Beatrice Red Fox, they shared each others loving companion for a devoted 28 years. While together they had no children, but had the pleasure of raising a special grandson; Cheske Red Fox, since he was a year old and until the time of Elmer's passing.

Elmer enjoyed doing things such as fishing in his backyard on the Moreau River and always giving "catfish" to family and friends. Elmer loved going to near by pow-pows and enjoyed listening to the Lakota drum groups. On Saturday evening he would often listen to Polka music. On the weekends Elmer would drive to Mobridge and eat ice cream with "Poncho." Elmer was also the caregiver of St. Mary's Church in Promise. He loved spending time with his grandchildren on special occasions and holidays.

Elmer is survived by his loving companion Beatrice, two special grandsons, Cheske Red Fox and Darren Traversie better known as "Pancho" and "Mister", daughter Ramona Paulette Traversie of Mobridge, SD, special cousins Phoebe Thompson of Mobridge, SD and Jimmy Handboy of Minneapolis, MN, nieces and nephews Moses Traversie of Mission, SD, Linda Alexander Traversie of TX, Gail and Danny Martin of Aberdeen, SD, Delmas, Jr. (Cactus) and Delvina Traversie, Dana and Conrad Schlect of Eagle Butte, Deon Traversie of Rapid City, Kim and Melani Traversie of Promise, SD, Bea's children whom he considered as his own, Loren Anderson of Salt Lake City, UT, Mark Red Fox of Las Vegas, NV, Clarice Condon and Jay Red Fox both of Rapid City, SD Rilla Noisy Hawk, Patricia Red Fox, Murray Red Fox, Mary Ann Red Fox all of Eagle Butte, and numerous grandchildren.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Moses and Ellen (Veo) Traversie, sister Minnie, brothers Maynard, David, Vincent, Delmas, Sr. and Niel.