Funeral services are postponed until Thursday at 9 AM at the Old Agency Building due to inclement weather.

Funeral services Gary Stranger age 69, Eagle Butte, will be 9:00 AM, Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Old Agency Building in Eagle Butte. Burial at Black Hills National Cemetery under the Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. All night wake will begin at 5:00 PM Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Old Agency Building family and friends meet at 4mile junction at 4PM. Gary passed away Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, ND.

Gary Michael Stranger (Charger) entered the spirit world on Thursday December 10th 2015. He was surrounded by loved ones, family and friends.
Gary was born to April 12th 1946 to Rufus Sr & Fidelia (Garfield) Charger in LaPlante, SD also known as the Old Agency. He joined older siblings Harry, Rufus Jr., Alvena Mae and Melvin. Also born to this union was Charlene, Adele and a baby boy that Dad named "suspenders". Younger siblings born to Rufus Sr. were Ronald, Norman, Leon and Marlene Charger.

Gary grew up knowing his cousins as his siblings; he had shared many stories of times down at old agency. Dad was also a boarding school survivor. Like many others he faced challenge and diversity from the start. After the loss of his mother at the age 6, he promised his mother that he would do his best to be an honorable man and make her proud. He was then looked after by grandparents and also aunts and uncles.
He learned the importance of hard work from an early age. He worked for farmers and ranchers earning money to support his family. He always gave to those around him and made sure they were taken care of first.

In High School Gary was athletic and very sociable. Always with his stories, he told of times of shenanigans and mischief. Much to his own surprise, he graduated from CEB in May 1965. He later went onto further his education at Haskell Indian University in Lawrence, Kansas.

After giving it the old college try, he realized Haskell wasn't the right fit for him, but he knew Uncle Sam would take him. He joined the United States Army on October 14th 1966 at 20yrs old. He landed in Vietnam on April 1st 1967…."And it wasn't a joke either!"

Like many other service members at that time, he didn't expect to return home to the United States, and when they did return it wasn't a warm welcome.

Gary began construction and concrete work with Jim Davidson & crew. Many of the buildings he helped construct stand today in Eagle Butte.

In December 1970 Gary and Marion Two Hawks were married in Pierre, SD. To this union was born their son, Jason Dwight.

Gary began working with the BIA in 1975 and became an employee at the CEB school cafeteria, where he became the full time baker. It was there that he fulfilled a calling for helping others and was one that could be depended on.

In the early 1980's Gary made the decision to lead a sober life and began to learn traditional Lakota ways. His heart led him to Green Grass, SD ; to the home of Stanley Sr and Cecelia Looking Horse.

Dad had shared, that the moment he meant Stanley he knew there was a purpose for his chosen path and Stanley began to guide him in traditional ways. Stanley and Cecelia adopted Gary into their family in a traditional sacred Hunka ceremony. He also became a pipe carrier. Gary learned many teachings from his father Stanley, he than shared his knowledge with countless others. Coming into this family he became the eldest brother to Arvol, Martina, Ivan, Beatrice, Stanley Jr., and Gladys.

It was in Green Grass where he was given the name 'Big Gary', as there were a number of Gary's and the title fit him best. He also received his Lakota name, 'Oyate Waciyanpi'/'The People, they depend on him.' from Stanley Sr.

In the fall of 1982 a special child entered he and his spouse Irene's lives, his baby daughter Feather. Feather was always by her Dad's side, memories are still told of Feather standing next to him in his blue pickup truck.

Gary shared many of his wise words and teachings with those around him, near and far. His home was always open to anyone passing through or in need. He held strong to his Lakota name with pride. People from all over the world sat at his table and shared a story, he enjoyed learning of other cultures and religions, and he was a firm believer in the old saying that you are never too old to keep learning.

Gary served at the CEB Cafeteria for 34 yrs. He shared the advice "Love what you do and you'll never have to work a day in your life." He loved his job and he was great at it. The school cafeteria still uses many of his original recipes. He made many delicious baked goods- cinnamon rolls, cookies and apple crisp are some family favorites, and certainly can't forget his bread! He was one half of the fabulous Baker Boys, the other being his right hand man Wally DX. The staff at the cafeteria was not considered coworkers but instead as a family.

Gary was also an avid CEB Braves Basketball fan, it was rare that he would miss a game; home or away. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and sitting around a camp fire with some good coffee and even better company. He was an animal lover and his cat "big kitty" was very faithful friend in return. He looked forward to his annual family and friends Devils Tower trip every June. He also enjoyed ceremonies and Sundance.

Dad will always be remembered for his kindness, humor, wisdom and smile…amongst countless other traits. He wasn't just our Dad, he was so much to so many. He helped raise his nieces and nephews, grandchildren, cousins…. you could count on Dad, Uncle and Grandpa and Cousin. For whatever he could do to lend a hand, an ear, a meal, a bed, or even his last dollar, he was there for us all and we are forever grateful for his time here on this earth. The time was short but we utilized it well.

Gary is survived by his son Jason (Stephanie) Charger, and his daughter Feather (Nathan) Nelson. His grandchildren William Youpee, Ariel Youpee (Braden Dupris), Brittany Youpee, Julian Charger, Jason Charger Jr., Lalaina Charger, Brianna Charger, Cullen Charger, Riley Nelson, Jax Nelson and special granddaughter Erika (Sam) PrairieChicken and great grandson Braden Dupris Jr.

Also feeling great loss are his siblings Melvin Charger, Adelle Livingston, Norman Charger, Leon Brings Back Buffalo, and Marlene Charger. Arvol (Paula) Looking Horse, Martina (Delano) Looking Horse, Ivan (Uma) Looking Horse, Beatrice Looking Horse, Stanley Looking Horse Jr aka Joe Wall, Gladys (John) Looking Horse. Also, his many special nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He is also mourned by his special friend and companion of 20yrs Edna Johnson.

He is preceded in death by his parents Fidelia Garfield Charger and Rufus Charger Sr., Hunka Parents Mary Cecilia Looking Horse and Stanley Looking Horse Sr. Siblings, Harry, Rufus Jr, Alvena Mae, Charlene, baby boy 'suspenders', and Ronald Charger. He treasured his many friendships, he has many friends and relatives who were called home and he looked forward to when they would meet again.

Pallbearers: Shane Agneau, Michael Barbosa, Lance Ashley, Michael Charger, Roland Garreau, Nathan Nelson, Michael Aungie, and Cody Hall.

Our apologies to those we may have left out, we mean our best. Dad had so many who loved and cherished him, please know we love you all and are so grateful for the memories and laughter.