Claudine Iron Eyes

Our beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother began her journey to the stars on May 23, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Fort Yates, with Father John Floberg officiating. 

Claudine Michele Iron Eyes was born in Fort Yates, ND on July 12, 1974, to Everett Sr. and Lynda (Siegfried) Iron Eyes. Her parents were unaware that she was one of two babies to be born to them that day. Claudine and her twin brother, Cody, were born two months prematurely, and as this was a time before ultrasounds were readily available, no one knew that Lynda was carrying twins. 

Claudine grew up in Fort Yates, ND, attending Standing Rock schools until her graduation in 1992. She also attended Burdick Job Corp and earned a certificate in building maintenance. She went on to become the first female maintenance worker at Prairie Knights Casino. She attended Sitting Bull College and earned a degree in early childhood education in May 2003. This led to her greatest role as a teacher in the Standing Rock Head Start. She loved working with the kids and hearing them call her Teacher Claudine. 

Sadly, her role as a teacher would be cut short due to her diagnosis of a brain tumor in July 2004. She has spent the past 19 years in recovery from the surgery to remove the tumor. She made miraculous progress from being in a coma following her surgery to having to undergo therapy to help her regain basic skills. She learned to walk again, first with the aid of a walker, then a cane, and finally she was able to walk unassisted.  She was so proud of herself, as we all were. 

Grateful to have shared in her life are her children, Con Iron Eyes, Fort Yates, Christiana Iron Eyes, Memphis, TN, and Steven "Ike" Harrison Jr., Watonga, OK; grandchildren, Jameson Lee and Amelia, Melody, and Steven "Ike" III; her father, Everett Iron Eyes Sr.; siblings, Carl, Christi, EJ (Vernetta), Cody (Terrence), and Dani Jo; nieces and nephews, Carl II, Emily, Hannah, Alex, Max, & Ben; Elaina, Ashlee, & Jordan; Tyrel & Kaitlyn; Tawnie, Dawson, & Daniel; and Chase & Ethan.

Welcoming her into Heaven is her mother, Lynda Ironeyes; granddaughter, Isabella; aunts, Lois Pleets, Loree Lucas, & Lorraine Siegfried; and numerous other relatives.

Honorary Urn Bearers are Randi Dogskin, Glenna Eagle, Yvonne Hodgkiss, Kathi Reiter, Camie Luger, Sloane Floberg, Bobbi Jo Wise Spirit, Janice Jacobo Marshall, and all of the other friends that Claudine made in her lifetime.

We apologize if we forgot anybody, it was unintentional, as she touched so many lives.