March 24, 1980 – March 21, 2026
Mark “Jake” Red Bear II, a great storyteller, renowned jokester, and beloved relative, entered the spirit world on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 45. He passed away peacefully at the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, surrounded by friends and loved ones.
Funeral services were March 30, 2026 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial was in the St. James Episcopal Cemetery, Bear Creek.
Jake was a Lakota wicasa and a good relative who respected all, and whose friendly and welcoming presence lit up every room he entered. He was well known for his quick wit and good-natured humor, his encouraging words, and the boundless care he held for his relatives and homelands. Jake wholeheartedly gifted his time, stories, and many talents, and he delighted many with his cooking and baking, especially his cinnamon rolls and frybread.
He was knowledgeable about the land and knew its many stories, having spent a great deal of his growing years with his Grandpa Timothy Red Dog at On-the-Tree, where he also learned to hunt, fish, and care for the land. Jake also spent much of his early childhood days with his grandparents, Bill and Illene (High Elk) Red Bear at Thunder Butte. He was also a part of the Joe Brings Plenty family.
He made family with many of his 6th grade classmates after moving to Lower Brule in 1992.
From his first marriage, Jake was blessed with children: Micaiah (born 2003), Timerie (born 2004), Matthias (born 2008), Marky (born 2009), and Israel (born 2010). They resided in Eagle Butte until 2008 before relocating to Bismarck, ND, and later to Larimore, ND, and Rapid City.
In July 2017 Jake married Arlene Agneaux and spent the rest of his life with her. In 2018, they moved to Dickinson, ND where he resided until his death. During this time, he worked as a Walmart supervisor and at Menards.
A devoted father, Jake was profoundly proud of all his children, nieces, and nephews, and adored his granddaughter, Aurielia.
He was a hard worker and talented in many areas, including construction, firefighting, cooking, baking, hunting, and fishing. He loved the Green Bay Packers.
Mark is survived by his wife of 10 years, Arlene Red Bear; parents Mark Red Bear and Kathy Red Dog; children: Micaiah, Timerie, Matthias, Israel, and Marky; stepchildren: Ashley & Seth Poland, Ashten, Aubree, & Duel Keck, Rhondee Ganje, Ryan, & Kiah Ganje; grandchildren: Aurielia, Ausha, Aries, Anthony, Adelynn, Annelise, Ainslee, Junie, & Sweede; sisters: Jessica, Crystal, and Mariah, and many other family and loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Illene (High Elk) Red Bear; maternal grandparents, Timothy and Annie (Good Bear) Red Dog; one stepson in heaven, Anthony Iron Moccasin; nephew Landon Carter Red Bear; Tiauna Ducheneaux, Kyla Mercy Red Bear, Cole Brings Plenty, and good friend Augie Brings Plenty.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.