Andre Alan Frenier, known as a Redblanket Man to the Wambdiwiwangwaci, made his journey to the Spirit world on December 9, 2013. His Dakotah name is Tahocekawaste. The meaning is, he sends a good voice from the center of all. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at Ascension Presbyterian Cemetery, Big Coulee with Larry Theile officiating. Pallbearers will be Elrond Johnson, Pat Frenier, Fred Crawford, Ron Frenier, Bob Frenier, Jeff Cook, Ed Frenier, Larry Bedonie, Draven Crawford, and Justice White. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Andre's Co-workers at Dakota Magic Casino. Inurnment will be in the Ascension Presbyterian Cemetery. All-night Wake Service will be held at the Big Coulee District Center on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Tahocekawaste was born November 8, 1951 to August G. Frenier and Nixola N. Lawrence Frenier in Seattle Washington. He was raised on the West coast. He worked with his family in the construction trade. He was a truck driver on a mail route up and down the West coast. He worked as a counselor for the Native American Rehabilitation Association until he moved back to South Dakota. Andy worked with chemically dependent adolescents for many years, introducing those interested to the Inipi and Native American Spirituality. Andy was a part of the team at Our Home Inhalant Abuse Program and ASAP. After Tekakwitha Adolescent Treatment Center closed he went on to work at Dakota Magic Casino as a Security Officer. He worked his way up to and served as Lieutenant until he was hospitalized.
Andy played blues guitar and rock and roll. He also was a sketch artist, wood carver, leather worker, and did beadwork. His talents were many when it came to Dakotah cultural art. As most young West coast men, he was a "motor head." His brothers as well, worked to get the most horsepower out of their engines. They kept their cars neat and shiny. They modified, raced, and tweaked their cars and trucks. Andy also rode motorcycles and placed the same care and time into his chopper.
Andy is survived by one brother Edward Frenier of Ethan Oregon and sisters: Barbara Haylett of Los Vegas Nevada and Catherine Frenier of New Effington South Dakota. He is also survived by adopted brothers: Lloyd "Bubba" Labelle Jr and Rick Nicolar of Massachusetts. Andy was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Charles, Maurice, Fredrick in the Vietnam War and Sisters: Doris and Yvonne.