Elijah Zane Whiteman, 22, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Monday, September 30, at Calvary Episcopal Cathedral Sanctuary, 500 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD with burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 3:00 – 5:00 pm Sunday, September 29, in the Tiospaye Wakan Reception area of Calvary Episcopal.

Elijah Zane Whiteman was born October 21, 2001 to Carly (Big Eagle) and Shad Whiteman at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

He attended Lowell Elementary and was a very bright student who excelled at many things.  He won the 2012 Academic Presidential Award.  He also participated in band for a short time. It was around this time he discovered his love for video games had begun.

In 2011 while in Ethete, WY he was given the Arapaho name of "Mountain Chief" which was passed to him from burial of his grandfather, Willis Whiteman.

Later attending McGovern Middle School, he began a very tight bond with his brother, Morgan, and his sister, Wenona, which seems unbreakable. He then attended Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, SD where he met many lifelong friends that he continued friendships with to this day.

Elijah grew into a very kind and courteous young man who was very respectful.  He would give you the shirt off his back if it would help.  He decided that high school was not the path for him so he started working with his father, Shad, at Michael Johnson Construction as a laborer at the age of 16 years old.  He stayed working there and learned, and grew into a very skilled journeyman mason where he has worked until his passing.

Grace and Elijah met in 2021 and fell in love.  They went through thick and thin together, but still remained one and never once gave up on each other.  They were blessed with bringing up into this world a beautiful baby girl, Enzalaia Loreen Whiteman.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Terry Big Eagle and grandmother, Marcella Big Eagle; grandfather, Willis Whiteman; as well as two stillborn babies.

Survivors include his wife, Grace Gonzales, their beautiful daughter, Enzalaia; a brother, Morgan Big Eagle; a sister, Wenona Whiteman; He made many friends during his time here on earth.  Too many to name individually.  His bright smile and calm and gentle demeaner will be greatly missed by all he has touched.

Rest in Peace Elijah Zane Whiteman We love You and will Miss you always.