TAMA-Richard D. Poweshiek, age 82, of Shawnee, OK, formerly of Tama, died Saturday, September 13, 2008 at his home. A traditional graveside service was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Morgan Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Michael Keahna as speaker. Head Pallbearer was Larry Lasley. Pallbearers were Michael Keahna, Zachery Wanatee, Bradley Wanatee, Virgil Lasley, Vernon Lasley, Vincent Lasley, and Jon Papakee. Honorary Pallbearers were Eugene Poweshiek, Horace Poweshiek Jr., Ellsworth Youngbear, Calvin Youngbear, Jonathan Youngbear, and Dean Whitebreast. A traditional wake was held Tuesday evening at the Fox Clan Ceremonial Lodge on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.
Richard was born on November 28, 1925 in Des Moines, the son of Jonas and Ruth (Moore) Poweshiek. He graduated from Haskell Junior College with an associates degree and from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor of science degree in 1975. Richard was in the U.S. Navy for four years during World War II and received an honorable discharge. He was a chef, AA counselor, social worker, and Indian Child Welfare Advocate. Richard retired in 1995 to care for his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of thirty years, Leatrice Rhodes Poweshiek; adopted father Curtis Youngbear Sr.; sisters, Gloria Poweshiek Grant, Bernice Sanache, Wanda Youngbear, and Juanita Youngbear; brothers, Edgar Poweshiek, Richard Youngbear, Victor Youngbear, and Curtis Youngbear Jr.; brothers-in-law, Ulysses Grant, Walter Kerchee Jr., Frank Sanache Sr., and Isaac Shuckahosee; and nephews, Frank Sanache Jr., Freddie Sanache, and Kyle Grant.
Survivors include his adopted mother Josephine Youngbear of Tama; nine sisters, Agnes Shuckahosee, Myrtle Fay Keahna, Judy Bender, Donna Wolf, Louise Youngbear, and Geneva Papakee all of Tama, Nadine Kerchee of Lawton, OK, Robin Kapayou of Toledo, and Karlene Armajo of Ethete, WY; seven brothers, Eugene Poweshiek, Ellsworth Youngbear, Calvin Youngbear, Jonathan Youngbear, and Dean Whitebreast all of Tama, Horace Poweshiek Jr. of Glencoe, OK, and Barry Branscom of Oklahoma City, OK; two stepsons, Marlin Hawk of El Reno, OK, and Malcolm Hawk of Del City, OK; two nieces, Sallie Kerchee of Cyril, OK, and Sunny Kerchee Knox of Lawton, OK; nephew, Royal Kerchee of Altoona; grandchildren, Walter Jay Kerchee, and Nadine May Tonips; other nieces and nephews, Kirby Grant, Amy Grant, Gloria Jean Grant, Dayle Grant, Sandy Kerchee, Peggy Kerchee, Wynema Kerchee, Raymond Slick, Marguerite Youngbear, Hattie Whitebreast, Charlie Shuckahosee, Mary Sanache, Ramona Sanache, Georgia Sanache, Georgette Sanache, and Jerylyn Sanache; four step grandchildren, Carey Hawk, Jon Hawk, Travis Hawk, and Tracey Hawk; and many other relatives and friends.