March 18, 1942 – March 19, 2022
Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Ducheneaux, 80, of Timber Lake was held Monday, March 28, 2022 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake. Burial was at the Timber Lake Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Tommy passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND.
Thomas Paul Ducheneaux, (Tabloka Sapa “Black Bull”) was born on March 18, 1942, at the Cheyenne River Old Agency to Ernest “Tuffy” and Mary (Collins) Ducheneaux. He also shared this day with his twin sister Mary Jane Anderson who was born minutes later. He grew up on his parents’ ranch at Promise along with his 13 siblings. His elementary school years were spent at Old Cheyenne Agency and Stephan Mission School.
Tommy loved the life of ranching, riding and breaking horses. On August 14, 1968 he married his sweetheart Hilda Jean Thompson in Pierre. They made their home between Promise and White Horse from 1970 to 1987. In 1987 they moved to Timber Lake, where Tommy worked for the Cheyenne River Housing Authority for 25 years before he retired.
He enjoyed auction sales and found many treasures but most everyone knows his biggest treasures were his family. In his later years he liked going to casinos, playing bingo and dancing. One would see him and Hilda two-stepping and swinging any place the “Strangers” were playing. Family reunions were special to him. Everyone loved their Uncle Tom. In fact, he became “Uncle Tom” or “Grandpa/Papa Tom” to many younger people who weren’t relatives. The bond he had with his grandchildren was like no other. He was their biggest supporter when he would attend any activities they were involved in.
Tommy is survived by his children, Joann Ducheneaux of Timber Lake, Cindy (Joe) Dunn of Ft. Yates, ND and Leland of Bismarck; grandchildren Logan, Regan (Delaney), Aleisha, J.P. and Leah, along with many more grands and greats; sisters Arlyce (Bill) Wientjes and Mary Jane Anderson; brothers-in-law, Ross Lawrence, Frankie Thompson, Ronnie Long, Whitey Keller, Al Aberle, Bob Hagel, and Larry and George Handboy; and sisters-in-law, Althea Thompson and Delena Handboy.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Hilda, and son, T.J.; parents, Tuffy and Mary; mother-in-law, Mavis; sisters Phyllis, Audrey, Janice, Delores, Sharon, Lila Faye, Bunny Sue, Debbe and Butchie; brothers Lyle and Roman; brothers-in-law, Elmer Gunville, Dick Ward, Vincent Thompson, Dick Anderson, Delbert Lamb and Elvis Handboy; sister-in-law, Julie Weninger; and many nieces and nephews.
(Joann Ducheneaux’s address is PO Box 304, Timber Lake, SD 57656)