07/09/2019 - Ivan G. Bettelyoun

Funeral services for Ivan G. Bettelyoun, age 75, will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the Brother Rene Hall in Oglala, SD with Reverend Asa Wilson and Pastor Elton Yellow Boy officiating. Traditional Lakota services will be provided by Ivis Long Visitor.

Graveside services will be at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

A one-night wake service will begin at 3:00 PM on Monday, July 8, 2019 at the Brother Rene Hall in Oglala, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.

Ivan was a veteran in the U.S. Army.

Ivan was born on July 9, 1943 in Tuthill, SD to Earl and Mabel (Dunlop) Bettelyoun. He made his journey to the Spirit World on July 1, 2019 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Ivan was courageous, kind-hearted, generous, honest, hardworking, and a role model for many. He had a unique sense of humor that was always accompanied by the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He was a firm believer in maintaining reservations, and he was always looking for ways to improve life on the reservation.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned home to earn his GED. His next goal was college; he enrolled in Black Hills State College and graduated three years later in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He immediately went to work for the Oglala Sioux Tribe where he served the people in many capacities over the next 25 years, including two terms as Tribal Treasurer. He also worked for many years in the White Clay District as President of the District Council and President of the Local Law and Order Review Board. He also helped establish the White Clay District Ambulance Service. In 1986, he started Ivan’s Hwy 18 Store in the Oglala district to help serve the needs of the people. He also worked as Business Manager for Loneman School, Wounded Knee District School, and as Federal Programs Accountant for Oglala Lakota County Schools. He worked in many positions in the area of Business and Finance. When there were no jobs available for him, he supported his family by farming and ranching.

The role he was the proudest of was host of the Sunday Morning Country Gospel Program on KILI Radio. Anyone who knew Ivan knew how much he loved old country music. He was a wonderful singer and guitar player. He would always be available to go “up to the butte” to play on most holidays. Unfortunately, the program was ended after his 15 years of service, but he continued to play at other events up until the time of his illness. 

Ivan is survived by wife Margi Bettelyoun of Oglala, SD; sons Chad Bettelyoun (Blu) of Rapid City, SD and Todd Bettelyoun of Little Canada, MN; daughter Kim Bettelyoun of Oglala, SD; grandchildren Donna He Crow, Hayley He Crow, Cody He Crow, Andrew Bettelyoun, Darren Bettelyoun, Jeff Janis, Romey Janis, Daniel LaMont, and Cody Kemp; great-granddaughter Esmerelda He Crow; and sister Kay Ferguson of Kyle, SD. Ivan loved his family very much, and they were always his main concern.

Ivan was preceded in death by parents Earl and Mabel Bettelyoun; brothers Mike and Bob Bettelyoun; sisters Maxine Fowler and Pearl Herman; and daughter Pamela Rae Bettelyoun.

Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD is in charge of arrangements for Ivan G. Bettelyoun.