December 11, 2009 – May 21, 2025 Funeral services for Micah Black Bear-Charger, 15, of Dupree were held May 31, 2025, at the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School Auditorium. Burial was at the Eagle Butte Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Micah passed away May 21, 2025, in Eagle Butte.
Micah Cetan Black Bear-Charger was born to Rufus Charger III and Linda Black Bear at the IHS Hospital in Eagle Butte.
Micah’s school years started at the Cheyenne River Head Start and it was very clear from the beginning that he didn’t go to school for the ABC’s and 123’s but to be with his friends and socialize. This mentality stuck with him all through his school years at Cheyenne Eagle Butte as he “LIKED” to learn but “LOVED” to be with his friends.
He lived with his Veaux-Slade family in Green Grass. After the Covid pandemic, he moved to Sioux Falls with his dad, then moved back to Eagle Butte. He often checked in with the Veaux-Slade family and let them know of his accomplishments and that he was doing well.
Sports became an outlet for Micah during his 5th grade year and he was a proud C-EB Brave and known for his big smile, generous spirit and unwavering determination on and off the court and field. During the basketball season he pushed himself and became a shooting guard where he took on a leadership role. He so enjoyed the teamwork aspect that it led him to football, where he excelled at the running back position. He had a true passion for sports and was a dedicated athlete which will be truly missed by his teammates and coaches.
Micah was a great kid, he always had a smile on his face, always worrying about other people as well as always having his friends’ backs. He was never mean or ugly towards anyone, even if he didn’t like you, he just wanted everyone to be happy. Micah’s sudden death was a shock to everyone who knew him. He was healthy, happy, and had his whole life ahead of him. His death is a reminder that life is precious and can be taken from us at any time. So, the family asks you all to cherish the moments you have with your loved ones, and never take them for granted. “How lucky are we to have experienced a soul as beautiful as Micah’s that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Micah Cetan was survived by his dad, Rufus Charger III; mom, Linda Black Bear; sister, Nashiah Charger; brothers, Kion Charger, Isaac Black Bear, Mahto Black Bear, Demetri Black Bear, Gabriel Iron Wing, and Xavier DuBray; grandmothers, Ann Charger and Debra Black Bear; his only nephew Atticus Charger; and numerous uncles, aunties and cousins.
Micah Cetan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Rufus Charger Jr., Delwin Bowker and Martin Long Soldier; great-grandmother Helen Hayes Black Bear; great-grandfather Garnet “Buzzy” Black Bear; and sister Rachel Iron Wing.