Traditional Service for Elmer "Sonny" J. St. John Jr. "Hoksina Maza – Iron Boy", 70 of Veblen, SD will be final viewing at Tribal Community Center, Agency Village, SD at 8:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 12, 2016, with Service at 10:00 A.M. at St. Matthews Cemetery by the Church, Veblen, SD. Spiritual Leaders will be Vernon Renville. Drum Group will be Dakota Nations. Pallbearers will be Nathan Blacksmith, Garrett Vaska, Randy White, Shane DuMarce, Leonard DuMarce and Ted St. John. Honorary Pallbearers will be "All of Elmer's Nephews, Nieces and Cousins". All night Wake Services will be Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 7 P.M. at the Tribal Community Center, Agency Village, SD. Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD in charge of arrangements.
Elmer was born on August 23, 1945 to Elmer and Martha (Big Talk) St. John Sr. in Sisseton, SD. He attended the Veblen Day School, Veblen SD then he went to Tekawitha School in Sisseton, SD. He then moved to California and worked with Lester Crawford and Ivan at the Office Supply Store in California. He later retired and moved back to Veblen, SD and worked at the Dakota Magic Casino as a Slot Technician.
Elmer loved all kinds of sports, especially the San Francisco 49er's, Golden State Warriors and the Oakland A's. He also was a good mechanic.
Elmer passed away on May 7, 2016 at his home with his family.
Elmer is survived by his three daughters, one son, and great grandchildren. His sisters Philista St. John of MT, Elizabeth Brown of MT, Patricia Apkaw of CA, Anna Lisa Schmasow of WA, Lita St. John of SD; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Elmer was preceded in death by his grandparents Moses and Elizabeth St. John; parents Elmer and Martha St. John Sr.; and siblings, June Sharon Hata, Henry Lawrence (Hank) St. John, Bonita M. St. John at the age of thirteen months.
For Elmer's obituary and online registry please visit www.cahillfuneralchapel.com