Florentine Joseph Chief Eagle (better known as: Joseph “Frosty” Chief Eagle) left on his Spiritual Journey in the early hours on Monday, November 5, 2018 at Winner Hospital, Winner, South Dakota.
Joe passed away from complications due to diabetic health issues.

Joseph was born at the Rosebud Indian Hospital on January 23, 1938 on a very cold “Frosty” morning. Thus the attending medical staff gave him his nickname “Frosty” which remained with him throughout his life.

Joe’s parents were, Eva Night Pipe, Sicangu Oyate, Rosebud SD and Albert M, Chief Eagle, Oglala from Pine Ridge, SD. His early education was at private, Catholic Schools at St. Francis and St. Stephan in South Dakota. Joe was orphaned at a very early age and was raised by his grandparents, Alfred and Angelique Night Pipe in Okreek, South Dakota. This was during the war years, so Joe remained on the ranch and farm to help his grandfather. He was familiar with farm labor and was employed as a farm hand for many years after World War II.

Joe had many interests and was very well read in politics and biographies. He had a good sense of humor, was easy to converse with, had a ready smile and was quick to laughter. He was exceptionally fluent in Lakota, and he would interpret for the elders who did not speak English especially during the voting years.
Joe was employed by the School District in Salt Lake City, Utah when he married Susan Leah Roberts, on September 16, 1965. His children from that union are Jeanneal Earl, Sioux Ann Chief Eagle, and Theresa Chief Eagle, all residents and employed in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Joe Chief Eagle married Stella Plenty Horse and had 6 children namely Jaqueline Chief Eagle, Florentine Jr. Chief Eagle, Jeremiah Chief Eagle, Estelle Chief Eagle, Jason Chief Eagle and Selena Ray, a granddaughter whom Joe raised from Infancy.

An honorable mention of a special companion-friend of Joe’s: Sharon Stead, from Kansas City, MO. Who telephoned Joe every day until his death. Sharon was always concerned about Joe’s wellbeing.
Joe’s only surviving sibling out of ten children is Gloria Chief Eagle-Carson who resides in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Joe has numerous surviving grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss “Uncle Joe” but will never forget him.

Wakes Thursday & Friday November 8-9th at the Okreek Community Center. Funeral services Saturday November 10th, 2:00 pm, at the Okreek Community Center followed by burial at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, north of Okreek.