Graveside Service for Melvina Marie LaBatte "Winyan Tanka", 91 of Sisseton, SD will be Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Sisseton Traditional Burial Grounds, Rural Sisseton, SD. Chief Arvol Looking Horse Officiating. Casket Bears Sidney Williams, Matt Cleveland, Tucker Seaboy, Seth Hisgun, Ashten Williams, Ernest Keeble Jr., and Wakuta Westerman. Honorary Casket Bearers are Geraldine Keeble, Evangeline Brant, Ione Eagle, June Renville, Marvel Burshiem, Tina White, Yvonne Williams, Martha Mandan, Cheryl A. Renville, Brenda Solberg Barse, Lester Crawford, Bruce Robertson, Myron Williams, Pat Deutsch Sr., Jake Demarrias, D.J. Hisgun, Lucas Hisgun, Aaron Hisgun, Andy Hisgun, Duta Westerman, Aaron Williams, and all of Melvina's family and friends. All Night Wake Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 7 PM at the Tribal Community Center, Agency Village, SD and Friday, October 5, 2012 at 7 PM at Melvina's House, Agency Village, SD.
Melvina Marie LaBatte, affectionately known as "Auntie Girlie", was born to James and Nora (Greeley) Wanna on April 16th, 1921, in Veblen, SD. She attended school in Veblen, Pipestone, Flandreau and Stephan. She earned her GED in 1980 from Sisseton Wahpeton College.
She and her husband, Jonah Hisgun, farmed in rural Peever, where they had two children, Dennis and JoAnn. She worked at Wahpeton Indian School and lived in Breckenridge MN until his death in 1956.
She was married to Sidney LaBatte in 1958 and had one child, Wanda. They lived in South St. Paul, MN until they retired. They returned home to Old Agency in 1960.
She worked many jobs upon returning to Old Agency including Head start teacher's aide in Wilmot, SD, a seamstress at Dakota Trac Industries, and the Elderly Nutrition Programs in Sisseton and Old Agency. It was at this time she earned her GED at the SWCC. She also worked at the Dakota Sioux Casino as a cashier.
She was fluent in the Dakota language and worked with the Tribal College in the translation of letters from the Dakota 38. Also, she worked with daycare children, speaking only the Dakota Language.
She enjoyed sewing and has many handmade star quilts displayed around the world. She dedicated her life to her family, especially the many grandchildren and was a well-respected tribal elder.
Survived by a son; Dennis Hisgun Sr.; daughters; Joann Hisgun and Wanda LaBatte; 21 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren & 15 great-great grandchildren; Sisters; Alma Renville, Dorothy Freemont and Mary Ann White; many other relatives and friends.