David White Jr.

David White Jr., 54, a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community, died on Wednesday July, 2, 2026 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. His Winnebago Ho-Chunk name, from the Thunder Clan was Nizhoo Mani Ga, or He Who Walks In The Rain. He was born on January 27, 1972, in Red Wing to David White Sr. and Josephine Sawyer. He was a Blackjack dealer at Treasure Island, which is how he met the future mother of his children, Kristin Freeman. David loved hunting and fishing and was a skilled artist. He painted and beaded a chair about author Sherman Alexei at the Red Wing Public Library. He owned and operated Whitehawk Gifts which later became Dakotah Coin because of his love of coin collecting. David was a devoted Minnesota sports fan, he rarely missed a Twins or Vikings game. An outdoorsman at heart, his art reflected this love. David was a proud Native American Church Member and member of the Church of the Messiah. He was a respected storyteller and firekeeper and believed in passing down the cultural teachings he received to future generations. He was also a talented grass dancer.

David is survived by his daughters, Darrien Bailey (Ashleigh), and Josie (Jef) Hildreth; grandchildren, Nizhoo Mani Ga Bailey, Jeffrey Hildreth Jr., Holley Hildreth, Angel Hildreth and Tatanka Bailey; the mother of his children, Kristin Freeman; his mother Josephina Sawyer; siblings, Colleen Callery, Verlie Dow-White, DuVeen White, DuWanda White, Joseph White, Darla Sawyer Darboe, Rosita Sawyer, Francine Emmerich, and Leets Yellow Boy; aunts and uncles, Deb White, Judy White, Paul and Verna Dressen, and Pat Bad Hand; and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and other treasured Hunka family members.

He is preceded in death by his father David White Sr.; mother, Sandra Black Bear; siblings, Gilbert White and Michelle Morgan; grandparents, Noah Sr. and Blanche White; aunts, uncles, and Hunka relatives.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the Prairie Island Community center. Funeral procession from the Tipsy Turtle to the community center will begin at 12 Noon on Monday and visitation will follow, beginning at 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Burial will be at the Prairie Island Community Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.