October 14, 1948 - October 2, 2025_____________________________________
Michael W. Bowker “Spotted Horse”, 76, of LaPlant passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte.
Funeral services were on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Tiospaye Topa School Gym in LaPlant, with Bill and Laurie Bickel presiding. Burial followed in the Congregational Cemetery, LaPlant Michael Wayne Bowker was born on October 14, 1948, at the old Cheyenne Agency Hospital to Jonas Bowker Sr. and Melda 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 with the help of his daughter, Beatrice Bowker. He spent his early childhood years on the Virgin Creek.
Michael attended trade school in Roswell, NM, where he studied welding. Returning to South Dakota, he worked as a police officer for Cheyenne River Law Enforcement.
He married 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 adopted Jonah Bowker. They also raised Randall Bowker and Ava Bowker; their grandchildren Michael Hoffman, Edward Hoffman, Devin Miner, Miles Miner, Zoey Rogers, and Astrid Rogers; and 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.
Michael 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. He was very active in the Church of God, working closely with Reverend Snipes.
He was a devout member of the UCC Congregational Church and was always active in the LaPlant community.
Mike played baseball and independent basketball across the United States.
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.
Surviving him are his wife, Patricia Bowker; his children: Lovella Bowker, Mary (Joe) Azure, Dawnece (Mike) Bush, Michelle Bowker, Jonah (Elida) Bowker, and Tom (Nadine) Shaving; 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 Clarence and Jonas Jr. (twins), 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 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.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.