Funeral services for Michael Levester Kills Pretty Enemy, Sr., 84 of Mandan, formerly of Bullhead, will be held at 11:00 AM (CT), Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Elkhorn Congregational Church in Little Eagle. Burial will be held at the Brown Church Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM (CT), Friday, June 5, 2026, with a prayer service to begin at 7:00 PM (CT) at the Elkhorn Congregational Church in Little Eagle. A procession to Elkhorn Church in Little Eagle will be leaving Kesling Funeral Home at 3:15 PM, Friday, June 5, 2026, all are invited to join. Michael passed away, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at The Good Samaritan Center in Mandan, North Dakota.

Michael Kills Pretty Enemy, Sr., Wačhíŋyapi Wičháša "Dependable One" was born in Ft. Yates, North Dakota on April 19, 1942, to Gilbert and Ella Mae Kills Pretty Enemy. He lived a life rooted in education, faith, family, and service to his people and community. Michael graduated from Ft. Yates High School and furthered his education through the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, earning his degree in Teacher Education. Michael then attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he earned a Master of Science in Education Administration.

Education became one of Michael’s lifelong callings, He began his career as a Teacher’s Aide at Bullhead Day School in the 1970s and later continued serving as both a Teacher and Acting Principal. He was also a Lakota Teacher for the St. Joseph’s Indian School. Later in life, Michael moved to Eagle Butte, where he served as Dean of Students for the Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School.

Michael was known not only for his dedication in the classroom but also for his love of athletics. He was a talented cross-country runner, holding a record in the mile run, and also played football during his years at Fort Yates High School.

His faith remained an important part of his life. Michael faithfully served as a Deacon in the Catholic Church and was ordained by Bishop Charles J. Chaput until 1999. On October 12, 2012, he was ordained through the United Church of Christ, where he continued serving as a pastor until his passing.

Family, singing, and teaching were among the greatest joys and highlights of Michael’s life.

Michael is survived by his wife, Adella; his sons, William, Michael Jr. (Mobridge), and Charles (Stacey) of Bismarck, North Dakota; along with additional family from his union with Adella, including stepsons Rex, Eldean, and Delray. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Helen (Bullhead, SD), Kris (Theresa) (Indian Head, MD), and Clarice (McLaughlin).

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Sr. (2001) and Ella (1984); his first wife, Loretta Redfish Kills Pretty Enemy (1999); and his siblings Tim (1983), Edna (2007), Dale (2014), and Gilbert Jr. (2023).

Michael’s family invites all relatives and friends to join in honoring and celebrating his life.

Casketbearers; Robert Brendel, Zach Brendel, Noah Kills Pretty Enemy, Ben LeBrun, Gilbert Kills Pretty Enemy III, Brian LeBrun Jr., David Steele Sr., Donovan Brown, Jason Kills Pretty Enemy. 

Honorary Bearers: All of Mike's nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, family, friends & all UCC Ministers.