Abraham Kasto

Abraham Kasto ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Luce Funeral Home - Gettysburg on Mar. 9, 2026.Abraham Benjamin "Abe" Kasto, 82, of Eagle Butte, SD, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Flandreau Santee Sioux Nursing Home in Flandreau, South Dakota.Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MDT, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the Green Grass Cemetery. A wake service will be 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the church, with a procession from the 4-mile at 4:00 p.m.Abe was born on February 11, 1944, in Old Agency, South Dakota, to Mabel Red Bear–Kasto and Norman Straighthead. He was the only child of his parents and was raised by his maternal great-grandparents, James and Annabel "Anna" Kasto. Abe grew up west of Green Grass in the country known as Inkpata, where his grandfather served as a minister for the surrounding communities. Abe spent time in his younger years visiting Canada, to be with his Dakota relatives from Birdtail Sioux Manitoba, Canada.In his twenties, Abe enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained to become a Navy SEAL. He successfully completed boot camp but made the difficult decision to return home to care for his grandmother Anna when she became ill.In March of 1968, Abe married the love of his life, Grace Kasto. Together they built a life rooted in love, strength, and family. To this union were born five children: Dulcie Ann, Winona Dawn, Naomi Nicole, Moria Falon, and Seanacy Kason. Abe and Grace walked through life side by side, supporting one another through every joy and hardship.Abe raised his children with deep respect for the traditional Lakota/Dakota way of life. He taught them that the medicines are found on the prairie, shared his favorite fishing spots, and passed on his love of the outdoors and the earth. He showed them how to garden, forage, and provide for their family. Abe also passed down traditional sacred songs and Olowan hymns. One of the many memorable experiences he shared with his children was the 500-mile run around the Black Hills, where they traveled together, carrying their camp and setting up along the way.Abe served as a firefighter for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and worked as a squad boss, fighting fires across the United States. Wherever he traveled, he brought back souvenirs and stories for his children. He was also instrumental in helping start the first Sundance ceremony in Green Grass, South Dakota, known as the International Sundance.Abe was also a Native American activist who stood up for the protection of the land and water. He helped fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline during the movement known as "NoDAPL" near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, where he stood as a water protector alongside many others defending the sacred waters and lands.He earned certificates in plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work from Oglala Lakota College in Eagle Butte. Abe worked many jobs throughout his life, including as a carpenter, at Lakota Thrifty Mart, and as a propane driver for the Cheyenne River Telephone Authority. In that role, he traveled through many communities, often through harsh weather, ensuring that families stayed warm.Abe was also a lifelong athlete. He competed in a triathlon, helped start a traveling basketball team, and trained as a firefighter. He was known as a skilled and respected hunter who understood how to use every part of the buffalo and was especially known for his cooking.In his fifties, Abe suffered a stroke that changed the course of his life. Though he lost his voice and many of the activities he loved-fishing, driving, working, running, and speaking-his wife Grace remained his steadfast anchor, along with the love of his children and grandchildren.In March 2023, Abe survived a serious medical emergency that nearly took his life, but he fought through it and was able to return home to Grace. Later that year, he stayed at the Medicine Wheel Nursing Home. Grace visited him whenever she could, sharing meals together and even taking naps side by side in their wheelchairs before she returned home each evening.When Grace passed away in January 2024, Abe was heartbroken. When he passed on March 6, 2026-their wedding anniversary-his family found comfort in knowing they were reunited.Abe will be remembered as an amazing father, grandfather, friend, relative, and community member. His life was one of strength, tradition, love, and service to his family, his people, and the land.He is survived by his children: Dulcie Kasto-Keith of Birmingham, AL, Winona Kasto of Eagle Butte, SD, Moria Kasto of Eagle Butte, SD, and Seanacy Kasto of Isabel, SD; 15 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace Kasto; parents, Mabel Red Bear-Kasto and Norman Straighthead; maternal grandparents, Lucey Kasto and Red Bear; paternal grandparents, Robert Straighthead and Susan Marrowbone; great-great-grandparents, James and Anna Kasto; daughter, Naomi Kasto; grandchild, Gerald "Yamni" Westly Running Hawk III; and great-grandchild, Kerian Bree Zephier.Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Abraham's arrangements.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.