Mass of Christian Burial for Jesse Leigh James White Bull, 40, of Ft. Yates, will be held at 2 PM, Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Kenel Catholic Church of Assumption. Burial will be in the Kenel Catholic Church of Assumption Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Kenel Catholic Church of Assumption with a Rosary Service to begin at 7 PM. A procession will be leaving from Kesling Funeral Home at 4 PM, Thursday, June 11, 2026, all are invited to join. Jesse passed away, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his home in Ft. Yates. Funeral arrangements are pending with Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Jesse Leigh James White Bull "Wakinyan Tho Hoksila"
Quote: "The sun is gone, but I have a light" Kurt Cobain

Jesse Leigh James White Bull was born on November 17, 1985, in Vermillion, South Dakota, to Bonnie White Bull and Russwin Sitting Holy, and grew up in a devoted family that shaped his most meaningful experiences. As a child he treasured simple moments, such as show-and-tell where he would invite his grandpa Lee and they would talk about their fishing trips and tenancy with his grandma Veronica in Mobridge, South Dakota, until her passing in 1999. Those moments instilled in him a love of the outdoors and strong family bonds. His youth included living in McLaughlin, South Dakota, spending time in Arkansas with his grandpa, and he persevered through challenges to earn his G.E.D., before settling in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he became a father to his first born son, Jesse Jr., on November 19, 2013. Throughout his life, he was supported by his aunt Lynelle and uncle Rick in Ridgeview, South Dakota, to which Jesse developed an interest in mechanics and business, skills that reflected his practical nature and curiosity, Jesse was well traveled before eventually returning to Fort Yates, North Dakota, to pursue college studies. While there, he met Tanika, the love of his life, his daughter Jasanna, and soon welcomed their son, Jaxon, on December 2, 2017. Jesse and Tanika were married surrounded by family on November 15, 2021, marking a joyful milestone with loved ones such as his sister, Samantha and his mother Bonnie in attendance. Remembered for his love of fishing, enthusiasm for gaming, and eagerness to participate in family gatherings, Jesse was a devoted father, son, uncle, whose warmth, steady support, and memorable presence left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Jesse's legacy of care and connection will be deeply missed. 

Jesse is survived by his wife, Tanika, daughter Jasanna, and sons Jesse Jr., and Jaxon, mother Bonnie (Ashley), sisters Samantha (Eric, Joaquin, Angeline, Erica, Eric Jr.), Stormi (Shyleigh, Raelana, Jacelyn), grandpa Doug, aunt Lynelle (Veronica, Richard), uncles Richard (Virginia, Jace, Jestin), Marcus, Robert, cousins Kyle, Von (Samantha C.), Johnny. We apologize if we miss anyone. 

Preceded in death by his great grandparents Jake and Julia White Bull, grandma Veronica White Bull, Joyce White Bull, Rita DuBray, grandpa Rufus Lawson, father Russwin Sitting Holy, aunt Mary Jane White Bull, uncle Alex White Bull, and cousin Shawn White Bull.

Pallbearers: Jaxon White Bull, Joaquin White Bull, Richard P. Rousseau, T'Jay Geigle, Von White Bull, Kyle White Bull, Eric Archambault, Sr., Timothy Woodhull, Curtis Woodhull, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: Marcus White Bull, Robert White Bull, Richard Long Feather, Ashley Arpan, Eric Archambault, Jr., Tessah Woodhull, Surita Flores, Fannie LaTray, Reece Stretches, Lloyd Stretches, Ed Wong.