Funeral Service for Samuel Sine, 35 of Sisseton, SD will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 1:oo pm at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Community Center in Old Agency, SD with Bishop Daniel Blank will officiating. Pianist will be Kay Bursheim. Drum group will be Mato Ho Tanka. Pallbearers will be John German Jr., Ryan German, Nicholas Schaller, Alec Erdrich, Joseph Erdrich, Will Crawford, Zion Zetina, Chris Schaller, Woody Hawkins, Aaron Erdrich, and Dr. Richard Meyers. Honoarary Pallbearers will be Charlie Crawford, Caroline Clauson, Bryan Akipa, Ashley German, Russell Hawkins, DelRay German, Peter Warhol, Loren Greeley, Tim White, Stacy Farmer and Kevin Farmer. Interment will be in the Mayasan Presbyterian Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. Wake services will be on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 7:00 pm at SWO Community Center. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Samuel Morris Sine, "Sam," was born on July 1, 1982, in Sisseton, SD. His Dakota name was given to him by his Deksi Bryan Akipa and Deksi Guy Canku. They gave him the name Wakanhdi Owanca , which means Lightning All Over. His mother is Debra Crawford, and fathers are Emerson Joe Mandan and Daniel Sine. Sam went to elementary and middle school in Wahiawa, Hawaii and Madison, Wisconsin. As an elementary student living in Hawaii, he learned much of the Hawaiian culture, learning the male hula dance and much of their language. While in middle school, Sam played the violin for several years. He was also a member of a Ho-Chunk drum group called Red Sons and they sang at many powwows and family gatherings. This was a very happy and joyful time in Sam's life. He later attended Sisseton High School after his family moved home in 1996. He later received his GED, and he took classes at Sisseton Wahpeton College.  Sam was an excellent carpenter, he framed houses and worked for multiple construction companies in Sioux Falls, and was even promoted as a foreman.  Sam took a lot of pride in his carpentry skills. He even was chosen to frame a house that was aired on the TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC. He was a very hands on person, as well as a very talented artist.  He sketched intricate portraits and natural landscapes from pencil and pen. He was an avid reader with a sharp mind and excellent memory, and a love for books about Dakota culture and history.  When he was 14 years old he went to a boot camp in Custer, SD. Out of 90 kids he was awarded two top awards:  (1) top athletic abilities, and (2) best academic performance. However, the officials would allow him to choose only one award, and he chose to accept the academic award.  Sam enjoyed sports, both, as a spectator and participant. Sam loved football and was a fanatic for the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed playing baseball and even dabbled into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He had two MMA fights training alongside his cousin, and best friend, John German Jr. Those fights took place in Aberdeen, SD and he took pride in accomplishing his goal. His love of sports aside, above all, the thing he cherished most in the world was his children and family. He absolutely loved playing with his children, tickling them, throwing them over his shoulder, and having a good wrestling match. His children brought him so much joy!  What people will remember most about Sam is that he greeted everyone with acknowledgment of his relationship to you and a big hug and kiss.  If Sam ever teased you, you knew he loved you. Sam's "love language" was the art of teasing, laughter, hugs, kisses on the cheek, and providing service. As one auntie said, "Anyone who met him, liked him. There was nothing not to like about Sam. He had a beautiful heart." Although Sam had so many talents and was full of potential, he unfortunately wasn't able to develop those talents on Earth due to his addiction to alcohol. His addiction started very young and sadly has come to an end in a way so many within Indian Country can relate to, via substance abuse and suicide. He was overcome by his addiction having undergone treatment numerous times in hopes of healing, but never quite overcoming the disease of alcoholism. However, now in the Spirit World, Sam is free of addiction and can now continue to develop all of his talents. Sam was a very special spirit, he had many spiritual gifts. One of his spiritual gifts was his uncanny ability to receive beautiful and symbolic dreams. He also got promptings and premonitions to help keep him and his family safe. Various family members can relay numerous stories of these unique and mysterious wonders. He had great faith and love for the Creator. In the last couple years of his life, he wanted to learn more about traditional ways and practices. He really loved the Dakota way of life, culture, and language. He was truly proud to be Dakota.   Sam passed away on November 11, 2017 at his home in Sisseton, SD.

Samuel is survived by his children, Samuel Sine of Sioux Falls, SD, Emerson Sine of Peever, SD, Wiconi Sine of Peever, SD and step son Michael Smith of Peever SD; his mother Debbie Crawford of Sisseton, SD; his father Emerson Mandan of Sisseton, SD and Daniel Sine of Aberdeen, SD; two sisters, Rachel Sine-Meyers of Porcupine, SD and Camille Sine of Sisseton, SD; maternal grandmother Amy Crawford of Sisseton, SD and paternal grandmother, Martha Mandan of Sisseton, SD; and a special friend, Caroline Clauson of Sioux Falls, SD; half siblings, Julia Mandan, Sara Mandan, Martha Mandan and Emerson Mandan of Alaska, and one hunka sister Ashley German.

Sam was preceded in death by his daughter, Aleeyah Cook, paternal grandfather Syril Renville, maternal grandfather, Franklin Crawford, and Auntie Jolene Mandan.