Michael Bowker

Michael W. Bowker, 76, "Spotted Horse," of LaPlant, SD, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. MDT, Friday, October 10, 2025, at Tiospaye Topa School Gym in LaPlant, with Bill and Lori Bickle presiding. Burial will follow in the Congregational Cemetery, LaPlant. A wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the school, with a procession from the hill east of town at 5:00 p.m.

Michael Wayne Bowker was born on October 14, 1948, at the old Cheyenne Agency Hospital to Jonas Bowker Sr. and Melda Bird Necklace. He was very proud of his heritage, family history, and where he came from. His great-grandfather, Mathew Bowker, came from Yorkshire, England. He served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War and in the cavalry in the Dakotas, where he married and raised his family. His other great-grandfather, John Papin, was from the Papin family-French Canadians from Quebec, Canada.

Michael was also proud of his paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Dora (American Horse) Bowker, and his maternal grandparents, Edward and Nancy Bird Necklace. When he was three years old, his mother passed away, so he was raised by his father, Jonas Bowker Sr., who cared for Michael and his siblings as both father and mother, with the help of his daughter, Beatrice Bowker. He spent his early childhood years on the Virgin Creek.

He attended trade school in Roswell, New Mexico, where he studied welding. Upon returning to South Dakota, he worked as a police officer for Cheyenne River Law Enforcement. He was united in marriage to Sheila Thompson on November 1, 1970, at the Congregational Church in LaPlant. To this union Lovella and Mary Bowker were born. On March 14, 1984, he married Patricia White Eagle. To this union were born Dawnece (Bowker) Bush and Michelle Bowker.

Mike and Patricia later expanded their family by adopting Jonah Bowker. They also raised Randall Bowker and Ava Bowker, as well as their grandchildren Michael Hoffman, Edward Hoffman, Devin Miner, Miles Miner, Zoey Rogers, and Astrid Rogers, along with other nieces and nephews. They opened their home to Dawnette White Eagle, Gabe, Andrea, and any child who needed a place to stay. His pride and joy was Astrid, whom he raised since birth; they became inseparable.

He was given the Lakota name Spotted Horse Man "Sungleska Wicasa," a name handed down by his great-great-grandfather, Chief Spotted Horse of the Oohenunpa Lakota. He was also a descendant of Chief Esta Cani Yab and Chief Puffing Eyes of the Lakota Sioux.

Michael served for more than 30 years on various committees, school boards, and community boards, including serving as District 6 Chairman. He took great pride in these roles and was very active in the Church of God, working closely with Reverend Snipes, who was the pastor until his passing. Additionally, he was a devout member of the UCC Congregational Church and was always active in the LaPlant community, planning activities and gatherings for holidays, birthdays, and community celebrations. He encouraged the younger generation to become more involved in their community. He often said, "When us elders leave this world, it will be up to the young ones to continue."

The community, especially the elders, looked to him to get things done and to address their concerns. He was the voice and advocate for the community and at district meetings. Michael was a loving, caring, kindhearted man who would do anything for his family and relatives. He was generous, always there for others, and had a great sense of humor. He loved music, singing, and dancing.

Known for being independent, outgoing, and intelligent, Mike was also very athletic. He played baseball and independent basketball across the United States. He was active in all sorts of community efforts, from politics to local gatherings. Michael consistently prioritized his community, originally known as Virgin Creek. One of his goals was to restore the community's original name, a testament to his deep affection for it.

Michael held various roles in his community over the years, including District 6 Chairman, Tiospaye Topa School Chairman, Housing Board member, and Community Board member.

His wife, children, and grandchildren will tell you that he was the perfect husband, father, and grandpa. He has been described as a man whose heart was open to everyone in the community and to children of all ages. If anyone needed food or assistance of any kind, he was there. He never let anyone down. He had a heart of gold and served as a mentor to many families. Michael was the patriarch of the Bowker family, the cohesive force that united the family and the cornerstone of family love, traditions, and history.

Surviving him are his loving wife, Patricia Bowker, whom he loved and cherished; his children: Lovella Bowker, Mary (Joe) Azure, Dawnece (Mike) Bush, Michelle Bowker, Jonah (Elida) Bowker, and Tom (Nadine) Shaving; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and members of the Bowker families. He also considered many dear friends as family, especially Joe Miner and Theresa Young.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jonas and Melda; infant son, Michael Bowker Jr.; sisters, Evelyn Veaux, Beatrice Traversie, Isabel Slides Off, Majel Bird Necklace, Delores High Elk, and hunka sister Esther LaPlant; brothers, twin brothers Clarence and Jonas Jr., Donald, Daryl, and Warren Bowker; grandparents Benjamin and Dora (American Horse) Bowker and Edward and Nancy Bird Necklace; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jake I. and Pearl White Eagle; other in-laws he cherished, Michael and Mary Jane Thompson; granddaughters, Pearl Bowker and Tiffany Widow Shaving; great-granddaughter Katrice Slaughter; great-grandson Kyston Baker; and great-grandchildren Baby Bowker and Baby Littlewind.

"I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I make my journey home to be with the Lord. So, grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on. So, if you need me, call and I will hear." (Author Unknown)

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Michael's arrangements.

A Wake was held on October 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Tiospaye Topa School Gym, East HWY 212 at LaPlant in Ridgeview, SD 57652
A Funeral Service was held on October 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Tiospaye Topa School Gym, East HWY 212 at LaPlant in Ridgeview, SD 57652