Chad LaPointe

Funeral services for Chad LaPointe were held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bonesteel City Hall, in Bonesteel, SD, with Davis King officiating. Casket bearers were Cedar Garneaux, Larry Charging Hawk, Donovan Charging Hawk, Ian Reed, Lyle Miller Jr., Francis Iron Heart, Dave Coenan, and Bryan Red Buffalo. Honorary casket bearers were Vanessa LaPointe, Anna Garneaux, AnnaLisa Garneaux, Wendy Garneaux, Robin Fernandes, Michael Dubray, Destiney Black, Michael Lynn Black Lance, Loretta King, Martin Garneaux Jr., Sterling Bad Horse, Wesley Garneaux, Daniel Garneaux, 1992 Graduating Class of Bonesteel and Fairfax, Francis Williams, Katherine Kirkie, Roxanne Sazue, Nancy Hunter, Cameron “Sis” Ross, Lois Long Crow, Brenda St. John, Tony Isburg, Ronald “Kim” Drapeau, Talon Voice, Mason Red Wing, Kelly St. John, Jim St. John Ordell St. John, Freddie Old Lodge, Chris Dion, Myron Old Lodge, Marcus Bad Horse, James Sazue, Samuel Old Lodge, Nicholas Rico, Mariah LaPointe, Kayla LaPointe, Crystal LaPointe, Marcus Howe, Jordon Kirkie, Austin Kirkie, Melby Kirkie, Raymond Gonzales, Jon Bird, Vegas boys softball, Bomb Squad softball, and Madd Dog’s softball team.

Interment was in the Ponca Creek UCC Cemetery in St. Charles, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Chad was born May 21, 1972 at Winner, SD to Martin Garneaux Sr. and Almeda “Rose” LaPointe, he was the oldest of 13 children.

Chad had four children: Kalvin Bird of Yankton, SD, Tulaire (Lyle) Bird of Mitchell, SD, Kristen (Nathan) LaPointe of Mitchell, SD, and Chad (Melanie) Lapointe Jr. of Kenel, SD; step-daughter Vilencia St. John of Crow Creek, SD; step-son Carl Makes Him First of Rapid City, SD.

Chad graduated from Bonesteel Fairfax High School in 1992 then moved to Norfolk, NE to work on grain bins for a few years. He then returned home to take care of his mother and siblings.

Chad married Dolly (Bird) LaPointe and with this marriage they adopted three grandchildren: Jayden and Kiana Makes Him First, and Tatius “Boo-Boo” Bird. They also took in another grandchild, Zintkana St. John.

Chad had a very special bond with his grandson Gerrith Andrews and he connected with his granddaughter Martha Miller. Martha was very sick at the age of 20 days old and her papa never left her side, until she was ready to go home with family.

Chad enjoyed playing all kinds of sports such as softball, bowling, darts, horseshoes, beanbags, baseball, fishing, Madd Dogs softball,Vegas Boys, and many more.

Chad worked various jobs, he was a man of all trades. He enjoyed teaching his grandkids and other children how to play T-Ball, softball, kickball, and learn how to beat the drum.

He had many friends and relatives from across the state. He became uncle to the horse riders in Standing Rock. He watched his very special friend Ian Reed of Crow Creek, SD, grow up from a young guy to graduating high school in 2024.

Chad passed away from cancer at Firesteel Health Care Center in Mitchell, SD.

He is survived by his wife Dolly; his children; sisters; brothers; aunts; uncles; grandmas and grandpas; cousins; nieces; and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother Almeda “Rose” LaPointe; brother Glenn LaPointe; uncles Pierre and Marvin LaPointe; aunts Regina Bad Horse and Jennie Miner; grandmother Jojo LaPointe; and many other relatives.