Joseph Swiftbird

Joseph C. (Chuck) Swiftbird, 64, Bismarck, passed away October 20, 2018 at Sanford Health, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Jarad Wolf as celebrant. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Weigel Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Joseph C. Swiftbird was born February 6, 1954 to Joseph Sr. and Cynthia (LaPointe) Swiftbird in Pine Ridge, SD.  He married Laura Phelps on December 4, 1997 in Bismarck, ND.

Chuck was always generous with his time, willing to put others needs first, “selfless service”.  With an outgoing personality and a great sense of humor he was willing to try anything.  His keen intelligence gave him the gift of anticipating future happenings, a great memory and a gift for telling stories.  A strong belief in his heritage led him to many trips to Pine Ridge, SD where he would always look to improve the life of his people.  He was mechanically inclined and very talented at arts and crafts which he was able to teach at United Tribes.

Chuck will be deeply missed by his wife, Laura; daughter, Jacqueline Swiftbird of Mandan, ND; sons, Isereal  Lee Swiftbird of Lincoln NE,  Isacc James Swiftbird of Whispering Pines, NC and step-son Casey Phelps of Mandan, ND; grandchildren, Zoe Sutton, Gabriel Swiftbird and Gracie Rae Swiftbird; and sister, Julia Little Hawk of Pine Ridge, SD.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Benjamin; and his sisters, Wanda Barrett and Estelle Hawkings (Cookie).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th St, Mandan, ND 58554 and Service Dogs for SOF K9 Memorial Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation.

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