John Oliver Charette, Jr (Voestasoenahkohe, Eagle Bear), born July 10, 1962 passed December 6, 2020. He was born to John Hubert Charette and Maretha Marie Risingsun Charette. He was a big brother to Michael Orlup Charette and a younger brother to his adopted sister Iris Buffalo. He was a beloved son brother father husband and a Papa. He married Debra Kay Waters in Sheridan, WY on December 30, 1983. They had two wonderful human beings: JoniKay Elizabeth Charette and Tommy Floyd Charette. And through his son, added a beautiful daughter-in-law Brandy Charette. And last but certainly not least the twinkle of his eye and the joy in his heart, his precious granddaughters Tommee Dawn and Ollyana Kay. These two little ladies had their Papa aka Grampy Whiskers wrapped around his heart from day 1. He so enjoyed his family and all their activities. He was the biggest fan of his kids and granddaughters.
Junior worked for many years at the Western Energy Coal mine. Proud of his dragline and dragline crew. Before that, he worked for many companies building roads throughout the State of Montana and the Northern Cheyenne reservation. He traveled with his father-in-law for many of the jobs. They also shared the same birthday, celebrating on July 10 of each year until Floyd passed.
While working at the coal mine he served as a union steward and served on the E board and as the treasurer for the Local 400 in Helena MT.
Junior, in his early years loved to rodeo, riding rough stock and team roping. As he grew older, he bought steers and started his Charette Team Roping Arena and hosted many events. When his kids started sports and activities he gave that up and started golfing. He loved following his son to the tournaments and visiting with everyone. He was the chauffeur of the big red van hauling the boys, girls and coed teams to and from many tournaments. He raised so many softball orphans, especially Princess. And his grilling with a joke and smile will definitely be missed at the La Familia softball tourney.
He loved family and friends and was always willing to help out wherever he could. He made many trips to visit, watch activities and pick up his kids: Rapid City, Glendive, Minnesota, Salt Lake City, Baker, South Dakota and so many other places. He has so many adopted kids and grandkids so he attended all the sporting events, cheering on his kids, at wrestling, football, basketball, baseball, softball and track. Da Boys bowling team was his fall/winter activity, winning the BIA bowling tourney one year with Waters Edge.
He leaves behind his wife: Debbie; daughter: JoniKay; daughter-in-law: Brandy (Tommy preceded him death); granddaughters: Tommee Dawn, Ollyana Kay and Sossity Spottedwolf; grandsons: Terry Spottedwolf and Kaden Howe; brother: Michael (Winnie) Charette; adopted son: Vincent Zak (Miranda) GoesAhead; adopted mother: Mae Whitedirt; adopted sisters: Iris Buffalo, Melissa Lonebear, Elrena Whitedirt; mother-in-law: Gloria Waters; sister-in-laws: Jana Waters and Mary Hagy; adopted brothers: Orwin (Henry) Thompson, Rey (Kim) Paz; aunts: Ramona(Chuck) Klein, Shirley (Raymond) DeLorme, Carmen Cymbal, Jackie Cartwright, Maria Charette, Jeannie StrangeOwl, Marie Littlewolf; Uncles: Fred Jiggs Charette (Bernadette); close friends: Ryne (Barbara) Harris, Kevin (Marty) Murphy, Sheldon (Sally) King, Lawrence Pretty Weasel, Al BigHair, his niece: Kristin Charette; nephews: Tracy and Taylor Charette, his Factor kids: Skyler, Derek and Tayler; cousins: Daneeta Fisher and Elizabeth Fisher and their families; his many grandkids, his Team roping partners, Crew 4 at Western Energy, all of boys of The Mill Softball team, LaFamilia Softball Crew and all his friends he made in his travels.
Preceded in death by his son: Tommy Floyd Charette, parents: John and Maretha Charette; grandparents: Oliver and Elizabeth Risingsun, John Charette and Stella Malatere; uncles: Ted Risingsun, Collins Risingsun, Orlup Risingsun, Earl Charette, Duane Charette, Damian Charette; Aunts: Louise Fisher, Laretha Grinsell; father-in-law: Floyd Waters: nephew: Yancey James Charette; brother-in-laws: Floyd S. Waters and Theodore Brockie.
Family names and relatives: Charette, Risingsun, Flying, Waters, Lonebear, Russell, Grinsell, Littlebear, Spottedwolf, Onebear, Prettyweasel, Bighair, Sooktis, Whitedirt, King, Sioux, Janis, Goesahead and Lawrence.
Marlin, Lynette & Family says
So sorry for your loss Debbie, Joni Kay, Brandy & family you are all in our thoughts and prayers. JR and Tommy will be missed dearly.
Rita and Art McDonald says
Our sincere sympathy for you Debbie and your family. Prayers and love.
John Burns says
So sorry for your tremendous loss.. prayers of strength for you and your family in this difficult time..May the lord carry you through..
Connie Baker says
I am so sad 😢 sending our deepest condolences
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF JOHN Q. CHARETTE AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
There are no words to tell you all how sorry we are for your loss. He was a wonderful friend, father, husband, and grandpa. As Debbie and I talked about, what a blessing and a gift that JR and Tommy got to go to Heaven together. Wow they got it figured out. Our hearts are breaking in a million pieces for you all. We will always be here. We love you all. Buggs and Loni
Shelly Holum says
Sending prayers to all of the family in these heartbreaking moments…
May the great memories help you
get through this difficult time.
Cal and Roxie Wilson says
Sending many prayers and thoughts your way . There are no words we can say that will help ease your pain. We will be here for you and support you all we can. Jr was a good person with a good heart. We will miss him.
John White (Albuquerque, NM) says
Debbie. I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condelences. You and your family are in my prayers.
Ruth Phillips says
Although it had been many years since I’ve seen, or talked with my little brother, I thought of him often, especially on July 10th of every year. Journey well my brother, until we meet again for the final time in heaven, know that I’ve always loved you very much.
My deepest condolences, and prayers go out to you Debbie, JoniKay, Brandi, the two littles, and brother Mike.
Shane and Tami Paul says
J.R and I worked together for many years I will always remember the fun times we shared he was a great man and will be missed by many. So sorry for your loss
Janie Spang says
Sending our Condolence, Prayers, Hugs, and Love ❤️ to families of Charette and Waters. So sorry for everything you all have been going through.
We are here for you all if you should need anything Please contact us. Again we are Praying for all of you.
Janie Spang, Jerry Kash/ family, Lonnie , Lynsey/Chris, Tess/ Glenn/ family.
JT Marla Martin says
Our deepest condolences and strength for comfort go out to you Debbie, JoniKay and Brandi, all the Charette and Waters family. This is a sad time for all that knew JR and Tommy. Keeping you in our prayers.
Rick Wright says
John was a really good friend when I was a long way from home (Missouri).
Kevin & Marti Murphy says
JR was an amazing man and he will be missed by so many! We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers. We are always here for you if you need anything Debbie. 🙁
Jeffrey Sanders says
Jeff and Melinda Sanders send their prayers, express their sorrow for all of your family and wish you peace and comfort as they can best be found in this time of great sorrow.
Donnie and Lori Finnicum says
Thoughts and prays to Debbie Joni Kay and family. Sorry for your loss.
Yolanda Fraser says
Sending my sincere sympathy for you all. Love you and continued prayers for uplifting strength and perseverance to get through the upcoming days.
Covid restrictions prevents me from being with you in person. My heart is with you all in your time of sorrow.
Harry and Diana Goidwin says
So sorry for the loss of two wonderful men. Debbie, Joni Kay and Brandy, we will keep you in our prayers for comfort during this difficult time. Cherish those memories that you all made, may they live through you and the little ones. God Bless you all.
JUDY ROSS says
So sorry for your loss Debbie my heart goes out to you and your family. Sending hugs and prayers during this difficult time.
Darren White says
JR was such a kind and thoughtful person. I enjoyed working with him at the Rosebud Mine. He will be missed by many who knew him or worked with him. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Gail Small & Joe Rodriguez says
Our prayers and love to all of you.
Chris and Cheri George says
Our sincerest condolences to JRs family.Prayers to y’all for healing and comfort.RIP 🙏
Lance and Candace Larson says
We are so sorry for all of you. We remember spending time with you when Tommy wrestled AAU. We enjoyed your sweet family ! Our prayers are with you ! May JESUS comfort each of you !!
Troy & Lori Killsontop and family says
No words can describe how sorry we are for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies and may you be comforted with those who surround you with love. The angels are always near to those who are grieving whispering to them that their loved ones are safe in the hands of God.
Connie Spang Hernandez says
We are heartbroken again hearing of both Tommy and JR. we send our thoughts and prayers to the family. We are so sorry for all you have been through.
Connie Spang Hernandez and family
James Jr & Ann King & family says
Please accept our condolences at this time of great loss. May you find comfort in knowing what a great impact JR & Tommy had on so many and how their care and love will live on through them….. Take good care of yourselves and be gentle too. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Locher says
Oh Debbie I’m so so sorry for your losses. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts n prayers are with you and your family.
Flint Fleming says
JR RIP my friend, many good memories in the roping days, thoughts and prayers to your family and friends!
Candace Fleming says
The children of Cline and Clarice Fleming send sincere condolences to the Charette-Waters Family and your large circle of friends during this time of sorrow and celebration of a life well lived. We offer prayers for comfort to come in many forms. Janice, Candy, Walter and Stan
McMakin Family says
Sending our condolences and prayers of support – McMakin Family
Lynda Locher says
Debbie so sorry for your loss of your loved ones. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family.
Dee Macdonald says
Debby,
So , so sorry for your losses. My heart breaks for you. Know that you are in my prayers!
Brian & Leslie Hull says
Debbie and JoniKay,
We are so hearbroken for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you find some comfort in knowing, your two loved ones are reunited and will be watching over you all.
Sincerely,
The Hull Family
Holly Roth-Nelson says
Thinking of you.
ROBERTA H ROTH says
Debbie and JoniKay so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Roger Sprague says
I worked with JR. at Western Energy for many years, he was a great man with a big heart who as a hard worker and all around good guy. He will always be remembered as a leader and mentor to others. My heart goes out to his family.
The Board, Members and Staff of IUOE Local 400 says
Words are inadequate in expressing how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Memories of JR will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.