Vanverd Dick Jr.

Vanverd Dick Jr., also known as Waka jaMa a ni, age 79, of Window Rock, Arizona, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Born on October 1, 1946, in Wisconsin Rapids to Vanverd Sr. and Emaline (Grizzlybear) Dick, Vanverd served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1971. He worked as an auto body mechanic in Chicago, Illinois, and in security at Rainbow Casino in Nekoosa before retiring as a draftsman from General Dynamics in Fort Defiance, Arizona.

An avid outdoorsman, Vanverd loved hunting and fishing. A lifelong member of the Native American Church, he held a deep faith in Creator God and found joy in creating Native arts and crafts. Above all, he cherished traveling with his beloved wife, June Nakai-Dick, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage before her passing just eight days earlier.

Vanverd is survived by four children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. In addition to his wife, June, he was preceded in death by his parents, Vanverd and Emaline Dick Sr., and his siblings, Crandall, Lorna, Nathan, Lenora, Elaine, Norbert, and Keith.