Joseph H. Bigfoot Gardner • 1930 - 2005

Joseph H. Bigfoot Gardner, "Whistling Arrow" 75, Parshall, died Monday, September 12, 2005, at Trinity Hospital, Minot, ND.

Joe was born June 10, 1930, in Lame Deer, MT, to David and Lucy Bigfoot, with sisters, Alice and Mary and brothers, Tommy and Willie. Joe attended Busby Boarding School and as he said, "Completed the 11th grade in one day!"

On November 27, 1950 Joe enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Camp Atterbury, Indiana fighting for our country in 1951. He was later shipped to Korea and then Japan during his tour of duty and was stationed in Inchon for 11 months. Joe received the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and 3 ribbons and the United Nations Service Medal. He was honorably discharged November 27, 1953.

On December 27, 1957 Joe married Serena Bad Brave in Mandaree, ND with the Honorable Walter Plenty Chief, Justice of the Peace presiding. The witnesses for the ceremony were officers John Bad Brave and David Little Swallow.

During their 48 years together Joe worked at ranching, the sawmill in Lame Deer, MT, and the railroad in Colstrip, MT. He also worked for the Government Forestry and drove ambulance for three years. Joe ended his employment years driving a bus for St. Labre Catholic School and finally the Birney Headstart, both in Montana. The family returned to North Dakota, first Shell Creek and then settled in Parshall.

Joe and all of his family were devoted members of the Native American Church. He was a Catholic but he held strong to his cultural beliefs, participating in peyote meetings and fasting at Bear Butte. He was a Sun Dancer and had the right to paint.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Alice and Mary; his brothers, Tommy (who had a twin); his son, John Ambrose Bad Brave; nephews, Sammy Bigfoot and Butchie Boy Wolfblack; nieces, Edna WolfBlack, Delores and Ava Gardner; grandson, James Littlewhiteman.

Joe is survived by, His Wife, Serena, sons, Frank Mad Plume, Sam Gardner, Creighton Gardner, Orion Old Rock, Francis Old Rock, Sr., and Dr. Tom Faulbuar; daughters, Verona Good Bear, Lillian Littlebird, Rowena Standing Alone, Cordelia Gardner, Jeralyn Fox, Lillian Plante and Sharon Plante; brother, Willie (Evelyn) Gardner; nieces, Judy (John) Wooden Legs, Audrey (Edwin) Whiteman, Wilma (Albert) LaRance; nephews, Stewart, William, Troy, Warren, Adrian and Tommy Gardner; numerous grandchildren and one adopted grandson, Allen Black, and one great-great granddaughter, Serena Angela Marie Little Bird; many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral: Saturday, September 17, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. in the tepee at Red Hall, Parshall, ND.

Wake Service: Friday, September 16, 2005, starting at 7:00 p.m., in the tepee at Red Hall, Parshall, ND.

Burial: Riverview Cemetery, New Town, ND.

Officiants: Melda Lambert, Albert and Wilma LaRance From the Native American Church

Music: Open to Family's request

Active Bearers: Francis Old Rock, Raymond Newman, Jim Bear, Warren Wolf Black, Adrian Gardner, Stuart Gardner

Honorary Bearers: Orion Old Rock, Willie Gardner, Sr., Troy Gardner, Jim Crows Breast Dale Crows Breast, Harry Littlebird, Steve Littlebird, David Foote, Harold Newman and all grandsons, nephews and friends

Flag Presentation: Members of the American Legion Post # 253, White Shield, ND

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