On May 13, 2015, Peter John Wilson, Hese’omeenahkohe (Ridge Bear), was called by Mahe’o to begin his next journey, joining many of his beloved family and friends. He was born in Busby, MT, on August 15, 1938, to James and Martha (Yelloweagle) Wilson. He was the youngest of ten siblings. He grew up in the Kirby Creek area and attended grade school and high school at Busby. When he was 18, he entered the Marine Corps, a service of which he was very proud. All the Wilson boys were military men, serving their county in the Army, all but Peter John, who was proud to be a Marine. He was also very proud of his two grandsons and granddaughter who served in the military, always sharing eagerly with others about them and their deployment overseas.
After serving his country, he returned home and married the greatest love of his life, Irene Spotted Elk. Together they had three sons, Johnny, Kipp, and Dino. They made their home in Kirby until 1972, when they moved to Lame Deer. They lived there until Irene passed away in 1995.
Peter John was a man of many talents. He attended culinary school in San Francisco, CA, iron workers school in Chicago, IL, and the diesel mechanic program at Chief Dull Knife College. He worked in all of these fields at various places, including Billings and Colstrip. He worked for the BIA road department, the Ashland sawmill, and Western Energy. He was a very skilled mechanic and enjoyed the time he spent taking apart vehicles, tractors, and heavy equipment, then putting them back together in working order. He also took great satisfaction and pleasure in showing others this talent. He loved working hard and enjoyed a hard day’s labor.
He was very proud of his Cheyenne heritage and was greatly admired for his craftsmanship of traditional Northern Cheyenne backrests, breastplates, ceremonial tobacco pipes, and leatherwork. He was very knowledgeable about the traditional ways of his people and was fluent in Cheyenne. He found peace when he attended sweat lodge and sundance ceremonies and peyote meetings, always offering prayers for his dear ones. He also translated part of the bible into the Cheyenne language.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Spotted Elk Wilson; his parents, James and Martha Wilson; brothers, Arthur, James, William, and George Wilson; his sisters, Florence Rowland, Esther Westica, Josephine Tallbull, Helen Donnafield, and Alice Parrish.
He is survived by his sons, Johnny (Michelle), Kipp (Willamette), and Dino Wilson; his adopted sons, Troy (Teresa) Wilson and Floyd (Elizabeth) HighWalker; his grandsons, Zack (Molly), Tate, Ty (Shayla), Tyrel, Noah, and Josiah; his granddaughters, Heather (Dutch), Sonya (Julian) Goes Ahead Pretty, Krisann, Irene, Sarah, and Jersey; great-grandchildren, Riley, Shilo, and Kamimila; friends, Jolene Gardner and Leroy Spang, and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He is also survived by the many members of the Wilson, Westica, Rowland, Beardontwalk, and Tallbull families as well as a long-time friends the Small family. If we have forgotten to mention anyone, we apologize for the oversight and want to assure you it is not intentional.
Special thanks to the Heritage Living Center in Ashland, MT, Dr. Begay and her medical team in Lame Deer, MT, and the medical staff at Billings Clinic ICU and ICC. We also want to thank all those who stopped by to see Peter John during his final days.
Peter John was a good-hearted man, making friends wherever he went. He was very intelligent and loved to share his knowledge. He will be greatly missed.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Monday May 18, 2015
Wilson Family Cemetery
Kirby, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Monday May 18, 2015
Wilson Family Cemetery
Kirby, MT
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Dennis and Bonnie Bear Don't Walk says
Uncle,
Your probably already riding in the hills with Irene!
Sincere Condolences to Johnny, Kipp, Dino and their families. He is finally at peace.
Ambrose ,Sr.& Clementine Seminole says
Sending our condolences to Johnny , Kipp and Dino also to the grandchildren and great grand children praying for comfort for all family’s and friends .
Georgia Lynn & Josh says
Prayers to Johnny,Kipp,Dino and Troy and all the rest of the Wilson Families .Peace out Uncle Peter John love glad to have spent time with at HLC !
allen longie and beardontwalk family says
SEMPERFI
Timothy Wilson, MD says
The words written for my uncle is so very true. He will be missed dearly here, but I known he joined his bride and brothers/sisters. This Generation of the Wilson clan ends with great memories. My Memories of grandma Martha’s house down by Kirby creek, memories of family gatherings in Sheridan, WY will always be with me. Peter john’ s brother was James Wilson. James (known as Jimmy) was my dad. My dad passed way too early. I known they are together looking down to the next generation, wanting us to carrying on their legacy. I say my farewells my uncle Peter John.
Setovaatse Medicine Bull says
I will miss sweating n prying with my uncle. Condolences to the family.
Roberta Bement says
Enjoyed getting to know you at HLC…you will be missed dearly. I thought of you as much more than a friend or a resident…you took my grandson as your own and gave him his nickname “Rawhide”…..my family grew to love you. Until we meet again REST IN PARADISE PETER JOHN.
Mike Wilson says
Another great Cheyenne legend has left us. I feel safer that the gates of Heaven are guarded by a fine Cheyenne Marine! Semper Fi, Uncle John!
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
To all the Wilson family–We send our sincere sympathy to all of you, and ask God to give you strength during this difficult time. May you find it comforting knowing that we will see our loved ones again. I have good memories of Peter John. Your family will be in our prayers.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Danetta Fisher says
my deepest condolences for the loss of your dear father…He was a very nice guy!!
Tia Fighting Bear says
I was truly blessed to know you and work with you..thanks for all the memories the good laughs we had the arguments that turned into sorry lol our friendship was special to me I was honored to know a tough marine all the stories you shared. Wish I could of laced your boots up one more time for you pj I know your in a better place with the love of your life. Love you pj and I will see you later
Dean & Carrie Small says
Our condolences and prayers for the family of Peter John.
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to learn of Peter John’s death. He always had a smile to greet me.
I will miss seeing him.
Leah Wilson-Longie says
Love you so much uncle, will miss my running partner-Leah, Darrin, Jr, Wade and Delvin, So sad to hear about you leaving us. Love you forever.