Funeral Service for Michael Richard Buckanaga CO?A WAN ZICA HOK?INA (Willow Boy), 31 of Wahpeton, ND will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Catherine's Hall with Spiritual Leader Jim Clairmont. Drum Group will be Wahpekute. Pallbearers will be Dan LaBelle, Cheo Smith, Anthony Keoke, Richard Boyd, Jeremy Keoke, Richard Varns, Matt Varns, and Jacob Boyd. Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Buckanaga, William Smith, Elijah Daniels, Christopher Strom, Brian Labelle, Lakota Cairmont, Josiah Volentine, Anthony Begley, Kyle Hurm and Ben Bazemore. There will be a Wake Service on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at St. Catherine's Hall at 7:00 P.M. Burial will be in the St. Matthew's Catholic Cemetery, Veblen, SD. Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Michael Richard Buckanaga was born on March 13, 1984 to Harry Buckanaga and Gloria Hart in Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his grandmother Celine Buckanaga, his father and mother, his sisters Camille Hart, Anpao Buckanaga, Hopsti Buckanaga, Dove Hart, Michelle Buckanaga, and his brother Larry Hart. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, grandfather Harry Buckanaga Sr. and his sister Janelle Hart.
Michael grew up and attended school in Vermillion, SD. He was a very remarkable and talented young man. Throughout his life he excelled in everything he put his mind to, which included sports. He had great success in track, cross-country, basketball, football, and soccer. He also was very creative and had a natural talent for drawing. He had a wild and adventurous spirit, which led him to one of his main interests: rollerblading. He spent much time and dedication to this hobby. In his adulthood, his interests mostly involved spending time outdoors, especially playing disc golf, hiking, fishing, swimming, and traveling.
In 2008, he met his significant other Angela Keoke in Sisseton, SD, and together they have two sons Liam Michael and Willow Hendrix. Michael was very family-oriented. Being a loving and devoted father came naturally to him. When his sons were born, they became the light and passion of his life. Everything he did, he did for Angela and his sons. The love he shared with them was something to be admired. The joy he found in fatherhood could not be matched and the impact he had on his sons will never been forgotten.
Michael was loved and adored by countless family and friends. His enormous presence influenced everyone for the better. His smile and laughter could light up a room and he brought happiness and excitement wherever he went. He lived life to the fullest and made sure those around him did as well. Michael will be deeply and forever missed.