Funeral services for Gerald Iron Shield, 69, will be at 10 AM, Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Cannonball Red Gym. Burial will be at the Big Lake Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A procession will leave at 3 pm for a wake starting at 5 PM with services at 7 PM. Gerald passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, at his home near Selfridge.

Fidelis Gerald Iron Shield Sr. "Hehaka Yuha" "Istodekis" Born August 11th 1954; to Aaron and Phyllis Iron Shield of Standing Rock. Gerald Spent his childhood life on the homelands of the NuEta, Hidatsa, Arickara and more formally of Twin Buttes, North Dakota. He considered Twin Buttes his true home. His Grandmother Josephine (Iron Bull/Little Owl) raised Gerald.  This area was always kept in his memory, gone are the horse corrals the many trips down a well trod path to get fresh spring water, or an evening ride among the poplar trees, and chokecherries for a snack or digging turnips. Gerald had a rich culture, he participated in the sundance.  He was taught the way of the sundance from brothers; Sam and Orville Little Owl.  He met many friends through this way of life.  Many times he was asked to pray for people, he fasted, his lifestyle was one of humbleness.  He drew strength from Creator; Gerald was one that did not like the limelight, he always said his work was done under the shadow of the Creator.  No unnecessary words and that it was Creator who instilled in him and gave him the needed tools to complete the work; which included the many friendships of various tribes and family.

Gerald joined the Army and was discharged.  Gerald was a true soldier.  His life works can be listed as many.  His true calling was "servant."  He battled for Native American basic right.  He was on the frontlines of the water rights of Standing Rock.  He advocated for the people, sometimes speaking with dignitaries to bring about changes for betterment.  Gerald's life was so much more.  He will be missed by not only his family but the many friends across Turtle Island.

Gerald worked with the late Clement Baker who adopted him as a son. Josephine Iron Shield and Family, Melody Iron Shield and Family, both from Iowa. Clement's wife, Sylvia, is the name Gerald gave his daughter Sky Sylvia.

Gerald comes from a large family from Standing Rock and Fort Berthold.  He had many sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces and adopted families.

Those families who mourn Gerald's passing include the:  Little Owl Families Iron Bull Families and Iron Shield Families.

When Gerald left us, he was the elected treasurer for the Porcupine District Cattle Program.  In addition, he believed in the wici yena Dakota Teaching that the buffalo are our relatives and organized and directed the ceremony honoring the buffalo.

Gerald was a man for the people.  He worked with the diabetes community program.  He had a motivational way of communicating when consulting with our people, teaching them how to best care for their bodies and spirit thereby playing an enormous role in saving our people from amputations, disability and he encouraged a life of health and well being for all.