Dennis Blue, also known as Isna Wicaga “Born Alone”
Dennis Blue, also known as Isna Wicaga “Born Alone”, age 86 of Redwood Falls, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at CentraCare Hospital in Redwood Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Denny’s home. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Denny’s home, followed by a potluck meal at the St. Cornelia’s church hall at the Lower Sioux. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service -Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dennis was born on October 19, 1937, in Sisseton, SD. Dennis was a beloved member of the community and leaves behind a legacy of cultural preservation and dedication.
Dennis was the oldest pipe carrier within the community and played a significant role in bringing back the Inipi “sweat lodge” ceremony and Wiwang Wacipi “Sundance” to the Lower Sioux Community. He was also a former tribal council member and was instrumental in starting the Lower Sioux Annual Wacipi. Dennis was known for his strict adherence to the traditional Dakota way of life, as he believed it was crucial for the community to learn and grow. His vast collection of knowledge, acquired through life experiences, surpassed that of book learning.
Dennis actively participated and ignited a spark in various community events, including the December 26th memorial run and the Sunktanka ride alongside Amos Owen, Amos Crooks and others. He was a man of many interests and hobbies. Dennis enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, camping, racing, reading, bull-riding, golf, and engaging in lively conversations.
Dennis will be deeply missed by his surviving family members, including his daughters: Nancy Blue and Wanda Blue; granddaughters: Danielle GreyEagle, AnnMarie (Jamie) Ellingson, and Elizabeth Jochum; great-grandchildren: Tru Mayotte, Mya Mayotte, Leah Mayotte, Wowicala GreyEagle, Tawihinapa Serbus, and Nicholas Willprecht; sister-in-law Loretta Zacharias; nephews: Louis Peters, Justin Peters, Trini Rangel, Joe Erler, Juan Gorman, Devin Wideman, Seth Butterfield, Daniel Woody, Brock “The Hunter” Lanham, Gary LaTurco, and Donald Wideman; nieces: Janice Blue, Kathy Welch, Deb Crooks-Hill, Tammy Pitzl, and Lin Galarneau; the Welch Family from Shakopee Dakota Community; David (Judy) Blue; Ron, Pat and Barry Welch; Hunka Family Members; Catches Family from Pine Ridge; Spotted Eagle Sundance Family; Goldtooth Family; Jerry (Mary) Peters and family; John (Deb) Robertson.
He is preceded in death by his parents Gertrude and Terry Blue, wife Sylvia “Sib” Blue, daughter Julie Blue, his granddaughter Valerie GreyEagle, siblings: Kenneth Blue, Margie Blue, Violet Welch, and Roy “Bud” Blue. Very special Hunka relatives Petaga Yuha Mani and Pete Catches from Pine Ridge, SD.
May Dennis Blue’s memory be cherished by all who knew and loved him.