Gerald Yellowhawk, Eyapaha Wakan (The Sacred Herald), 89 of Black Hawk, SD began his journey to be with our almighty creator God on January 13, 2026 in Black Hawk, SD surrounded by family and loved ones.

Gerald was born in Green Grass, SD to Bert Yellowhawk and Annie Elk Head on October 8, 1936. He attended various Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and in Rapid City, SD. He married the love of his life, Johanna Pierce, an Onondaga Iroquois, from Nedrow, New York, on July 20, 1957, in Hot Springs, SD.

In 1957, Gerald and Johanna began studies at Brainerd Indian School, from which he graduated in 1960. Moving from Brainerd to Pierre, South Dakota, Gerald and Johanna served as assistant pastor at the Pierre Indian Mission for several years. In 1966, the Dakota Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church ordained him. That same year, the Yellowhawks pioneered a new church at Eagle Butte, South Dakota, where he served as pastor until 1985, when he was elected as District Superintendent of the former Wesleyan Native American District of The Wesleyan Church.

In 1994, Bartlesville Wesleyan College, now Oklahoma Wesleyan University, conferred a Doctor of Divinity degree on Reverand Yellowhawk in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the spiritual development of his people. Dr. Yellowhawk’s unique life experiences gave him a broad perspective of Indigenous people and the challenges of reaching them with the gospel of Jesus Christ in the new millennium.

Dr. Yellowhawk has served a number of parachurch ministries as a board member, including Wesleyan Native Ministries, CHIEF Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona, and Mission America. He helped promote WICONI International, a fellowship of Native believers, founded in 1997. He most recently was on the Wiyaksapa committee with Great Plains Tribal Health.

On June 5, 2013 a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Gerald Yellowhawk, Eyapaha Wakan – “The Sacred Herald,” and his wife, Johanna, in recognition of more than 50 years of distinguished ministry and service for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church as an ordained minister, pastor, church planter, district superintendent, evangelist, Bible translator and respected elder.”

Dr. Yellowhawk spoke, and wrote the Lakota language fluently. In 1998, he was involved in Wycliffe’s Lakota Translation Project to put the Word of God into the Lakota language. After retirement from his full-time ministry responsibilities, Gerald picked up his brushes once again and put his creative talents to work making Native arts, painting pictures and doing beadwork. His talents were amazing from making regalia for the family and himself and painting beautiful pieces of art. Gerald was a champion Men’s Traditional Dancer, and loved to dance at Wacipi’s.

Gerald is survived by his wife Johanna Yellowhawk, his son Jim Yellowhawk, his daughter Diane Richards (Marty Richards), his daughter Debra Spotted Tail (Raymond Spotted Tail). His Grandchildren - Stephen Yellowhawk, Bonnie Yellowhawk, Christine Running (Richard Running), Shawn Zephier (Claudia Zephier), Chauncey Holy Eagle (Chelsea Holy Eagle), Robert Yellowhawk (Erica Yellowhawk), Gabe Yellowhawk. Great Grand Children – Alizjah Yellowhawk, Avant Yellowhawk, Messiah Running, Deziree Lebeau, Madysen Lebeau, Alessejo Yellowhawk–Martinez, Lil Mont Lebeau, Mia Yellowhawk, Lianna Yellowhawk, Robert Jr.Yellowhawk, Amias Running, Aliana Brave Eagle – Janis, Asher Dupont, Gianna Zephier, Aubrielle Zephier, Winona Yellowhawk, Julian Little Thunder, Jaida Little Thunder, Adizha McCloskey, Queana Maher, and Romeo McCloskey.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Bert Yellowhawk and Annie Elk Head, His brothers Clifford Black Bear, Garnett “Buzzy” Black Bear. His sisters Freida Good Bear, Goldie Beare, and Carrie “Dollie” Willcuts. His daughter-in-law, Ruth Yellowhawk, his grandson, Matthew Yellowhawk, and his granddaughter, Aunna Lebeau.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love, support, prayers and generosity during these hard times. We can take comfort in knowing our Grandpa is with the Lord.